Elements of Christian Love

What elements does the Bible say that a Christian's love should possess? 

1) Ask for nothing in return: You love for the good of others, not because of what you may receive. God asks nothing of us when He saves us, so we shouldn't as well.

1 Corinthians 16:14 - "Let all your things be done with charity."

2) Willing to sacrifice: The willingness to sacrifice things and even yourself for others is a very courageous thing to do. Our flesh is naturally, very selfish and we love ourselves, so when we give up something for the good of others, this shows a truly, loving heart.  

John 15:13 - "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

3) Love your enemies: As time passes, and the world becomes more overtaken by sin, it seems that the number of enemies of Christians grow. Not only is the number of people that are not getting right with God growing, but the sins are becoming worse as well. It's hard for me as a Christian not to be angered by the world living as if God doesn't even exist. Just a couple of days ago, I heard that someone called Jesus a failure. It's despicable to think people would treat God like this, but we must pray for those people and be a witness for them, for God has mercy, and with our witness, they might see that they need God as well. 

Luke 6:27 - "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you."

4) Sincerity: God's love is nothing but sincere. Everything that God does, He does with a pure heart, with nothing but pure intentions. In life, we cannot do for God, while having ill intentions. God's love and light deserves to be represented with exactly that; love. People can see when someone is being fake, and that is only going to represent God wrongly. 

Romans 12:9- "Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good."

5) Above all, love God: What more can I say that this verse doesn't? "We love him, because he first loved us." What a simple, but beyond amazing statement. God loves us, and He gave us the most incredible gift when He granted us salvation. For this reason, and the many others, God is to be first in our hearts and lives. 

1 John 4:19 - "We love him, because he first loved us."