Four Types of Love - (Day Three)

Throughout time, the definition of love has manifested itself into varies forms within our culture. The same form we use to express our love for another human is the same meaning we use to describe the deep love we possess for our animals and a shopping trip to the local mall. The Greeks paid more attention to detail since they had 4 specific words to describe love. They are as follows:

Eros; The Greek word for sensual love. It's the physical, sensual love between husband and wife within the bond of marriage. This term does not appear in the Bible, but is portrayed in the Old Testament book, Song of Solomon.

Storge; This Greek word for family love (bonds among mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers) is also not found in Scripture, although many examples of this type family love can be found throughout the Bible.

Phileo; The Greek word for brotherly love means friendship, and is the type of love in Scripture that most Christians practice towards one another. As Christians, we are commanded to love our fellow brothers and sisters.

Agape; The highest of the four types of LOVE, Agape love, is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. It is not based on emotion at all. It is an act of the will. This love perfectly describes Jesus Christ's divine love to His Father and all humanity. Agape love tends to present a challenge to us as believers. There will always be that certain individual who makes it hard for us to "love." And yet the Lord is clear on His commandant when He calls us to love one another. A good example of this is in John 21:15-17 where Jesus asks Peter three times if he "Agape" loves Him, to which Peter replies each time that he "Phileo" loves Him. Although Jesus was asking Peter for unconditional love, knowing himself, Peter knew he could only offer brotherly love. While Christ would like for us to strive for Agape love, sometimes all we can offer is Phileo.

"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God;
and everyone who loves is born of God
and knows God." 1 John 4:7 (NKJV)

Love,
Ashley