What's Love Got to Do With It?
Everything.
We live in a world obsessed with love—but also deeply confused about it.
Love is in every movie, every song, every argument, every longing. We swipe for it, sing about it, cry over it, and hope it will fix our lives. But the truth is: many people don’t really know what love is anymore.
We’ve been burned.
We’ve been used.
We’ve been disappointed.
So, we settle for less—or give up altogether.
But what if love is real? What if love has a name?
What Is Love, Really?
Search the phrase “what is love” and you’ll find millions of answers—some inspiring, some cynical, most shallow.
“Love is a feeling.”
“Love is chemistry.”
“Love is love.”
“Love is a myth.”
But here’s a better definition, and it doesn’t come from Hollywood or TikTok: “God is love.” (1 John 4:8)
That’s not a bumper sticker. That’s a claim that love isn’t just something you fall into or out of—it’s rooted in the character of the One who made you.
God isn’t needy. He isn’t manipulative. He doesn’t just say, “I love you.” He proves it.
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us.” (1 John 3:16)
That’s love—self-giving, sacrificial, undeserved.
Real Love vs. Fake Love
We’ve all experienced
fake love:
– The kind that flatters but flees
– The kind that takes but doesn’t give
– The kind that wants attention but won’t offer commitment
But real love doesn’t manipulate. It doesn’t ghost you when things get hard. It’s not just a feeling—it’s a decision to pursue, to protect, to give.
“Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not envy. It does not boast. It keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:4–5)
If you’ve never seen that kind of love in real life, you’re not alone. But that kind of love does exist. In fact, it's the kind of love God offers to people who don’t deserve it. People like us.
Maybe You've Been Burned
Maybe you’re done with relationships.
Maybe you’ve been hurt by someone who said they loved you.
Maybe you’ve been to church and it didn’t feel loving at all.
If that’s you—please hear this: The failures of people do not erase the faithfulness of God.
There is a deeper, stronger, richer love that does not change with the seasons. A love that forgives. A love that heals. A love that doesn’t just make you feel seen—but known.
You were made for that love.
And that love is found in Jesus.
What’s Love Got to Do With It?
Everything.
Because love is not just an emotion or an idea. Love is a Person.
And He is inviting you home.
You’re Invited
At Central Presbyterian Church in Irvine, we believe that love—real, soul-reviving, cross-shaped love—is the heartbeat of everything we do. We're not perfect people. But we worship a perfect Savior who loved us when we were at our worst.
We’d love for you to visit and see what that love looks like in real life.
Join us this Sunday at 6:30 PM in Irvine.
We’ll save you a seat.
