How do we know that love is a true Christian virtue?

Love is recognized as a true Christian virtue because it is central to both Jesus' teachings and His life. In 1 Thessalonians 4:9-10, Paul emphasizes that love is taught by God, pointing to its divine origin. Jesus commands His followers in John 13:34 to love one another as He loves us, making love the hallmark of genuine discipleship. Furthermore, love manifests not merely in words but in actions, as demonstrated by the early church's care for one another. The extensive scriptural emphasis on love—as seen in passages such as 1 Corinthians 13—confirms it as an indispensable aspect of the Christian faith.