Gift

Jesus said "God so loved the world that he gave his only son (Jn. 3.16)

St. John wrote "We love because he (God) first loved us (1 Jn. 4.19)

Guiding principle

Jesus made love the purpose of life when he declared that 'the greatest commandment is to love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength; the second is to love your neighbour as yourself' (Mk. 12.29-31; cf. Matt. 22.38-39 and Lk. 12.27).

Selflessness/sacrifice

Jesus said "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends" (Jn. 15.13). 

Good neighbourliness (showing compassion/mercy)

Jesus told the story of a Samaritan who crossed cultural boundaries to take care of a man from a different ethnic group who had been robbed, beaten and left for dead (Lk. 10.25-37).

Grace/generosity

The love Jesus proclaimed is radical - it applies even to those who don't deserve it or can't return it.  He said, "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? ...Instead, love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. (Lk. 6.32-36; cf. Matt. 5.43-48).