How do we know that love must be central to Christian living?

In Scripture, love is consistently portrayed as central to the life of a believer. In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus summarizes the law and the prophets with the commandment to love God and love our neighbor, indicating that love is the very essence of God's law. The Apostle Paul reiterates this in Romans 13:10, stating, 'Love is the fulfillment of the law.' Furthermore, in John 13:35, Jesus declares that by our love for one another, all people will know we are His disciples. Thus, love is not merely an emotion but a vital practice that defines a Christian's identity and reflects the character of Christ in the world.