Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical narrative, love is a central theme that underscores the relationship between God and humanity, as well as among individuals. However, Scripture delineates a stark contrast between the righteous, who are characterized by love, and the wicked, who are devoid of it. The absence of love in the wicked is a recurring theme that highlights their moral and spiritual deficiencies.
Characteristics of the WickedThe wicked are often depicted in the Bible as those who reject God's commandments and live in opposition to His will. Their lack of love is a defining trait that manifests in various forms of unrighteous behavior.
Proverbs 10:12 states, "Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions." This verse contrasts the divisive nature of hatred, often found in the wicked, with the unifying power of love.
Absence of CompassionThe wicked are frequently portrayed as lacking compassion and empathy towards others. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (
Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates the failure of the priest and the Levite, who, despite their religious status, pass by the injured man without offering help. Their actions reflect a lack of love and compassion, qualities that are expected of those who follow God's commandments.
Selfishness and GreedThe wicked are often driven by selfishness and greed, which further exemplifies their lack of love. In 1
John 3:17 , it is written, "If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?" This rhetorical question underscores the expectation that love should manifest in generosity and care for others, a standard the wicked fail to meet.
Deceit and MaliceDeceit and malice are additional indicators of the absence of love in the wicked.
Psalm 36:1-3 describes the wicked as having "no fear of God before his eyes," and that "the words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing." The psalmist highlights the moral corruption that stems from a heart devoid of love, leading to actions that harm others.
Judgment and ConsequencesThe Bible warns of the consequences that befall the wicked due to their lack of love. In
Matthew 25:41-46 , Jesus speaks of the final judgment, where those who failed to show love and compassion to "the least of these" are condemned. This passage serves as a sobering reminder of the eternal implications of living a life devoid of love.
Call to LoveDespite the grim portrayal of the wicked, Scripture consistently calls individuals to a higher standard of love.
Romans 13:8-10 exhorts believers to "owe no one anything, except to love one another, for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." This call to love serves as a counterpoint to the behavior of the wicked, emphasizing the transformative power of love in aligning one's life with God's will.
In summary, the Bible presents the wicked as those who are devoid of love, characterized by selfishness, deceit, and a lack of compassion. Their actions stand in stark contrast to the biblical mandate to love one's neighbor, highlighting the moral and spiritual chasm between the righteous and the wicked.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
1 John 3:10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whoever does not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loves not his brother.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Whether an Angel Loves Another with NaturalLove as He Loves...
... Thus aman loves his fellow townsman with a sociallove, while he loves a blood... Nor
can such naturallove be stripped from thewicked angels, without...
Sunday Before Lent
... deception. 27. Fourteenth,love "hopeth all things."Love despairs of no
man, howeverwicked he may be. It hopes for the best. As...
Recapitulation of Former Exhortations. ...
... the force of angry feelings, are yet held to punish those whom theylove, not from...
Whenman, then, had been deceived and beguiled by thewicked demon, let...
Peace,Love, and Faith
... Aman cannot get tolove more by saying, 'I am... is sweet, and sweet because Ilove
it, andlove Him whose... There is no peace, saith my God, to thewicked,' he is...
God's People Delivered.
... The lord of the vineyard "will miserably destroy thosewicked men." In the sin... should
lay aside His glory, and humiliate Himself fromlove toman, will ever...
God's People Delivered
... The lord of the vineyard "will miserably destroy thosewicked men." In the sin... should
lay aside His glory and humiliate Himself fromlove toman will ever...
On the Organization of the Monks: Its Origin and Founders.
... They regard everyman aswicked, who, though... water; and that there were women among
them who had lived as virgins to old age, who, for thelove of philosophy...
Rom. xiii. 1
... virtue easier for thee in other ways also, by chastising thewicked, by benefiting...
thy neighbor as thyself." What can be equal to thislove toman, or this...
Saints' Days, Fasts, and Festivals. Passion-Tide.
... Infinite, EternalLove"alone of all beingsdevoid of self-love!... even so in Christ
shall all be made alive;" and again, "When thewicked man turns from his...
Matt. xxvii. 27-29.
... receives the utmost harm; as, on the other hand, thewicked man, if he... unto which
God grant we all may attain, by the grace andlove towardsman of our...
Resources
What is love? What is the definition of love? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is agape love? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about self-love, loving self? | GotQuestions.orgLove: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus