Greater Love

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Greater Love

A few days back, a friend made the statement, “there is different kinds of love.” It was a true statement that will not change as long as humankind walk this earth. In American English only one word is available for the feeling of gratitude, attachment, romance, passion, kinship, fellow brothers and sisters in Christ and God. Love is an all inclusive word of caring. Some like to declare that charity is another word for love but I disagree. Charity is love with a little pinch more of something godly. Charity is love with legs.

The Greek language, which was used my many writers in the new testament, has several words for different references to love. Four of these are: agápe, éros, philía, and storgē. The senses in which these words were and are generally used are:

  • Agápe (ἀγάπη agápē means "love" (unconditional love) in modern day Greek, such as in the term s'agapo (Σ'αγαπώ), which means "I love you"; A deep, pure and "true love.” Agape is used by we Christians for use to express the unconditional love of God. (Matthew 22:37) “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.”

  • Éros (ἔρως érōs is passionate love, with sensual desire and longing. The Modern Greek word "erotas" means "intimate love;" (2 Samuel 11:3) “And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. 3 And David sent and enquired after the woman. (4) And David sent messengers, and took her; and she came in unto him, and he lay with her;”

  • Philia (φιλία philía means friendship or affectionate love in modern Greek. It is a virtuous love without passion. It includes loyalty to friends, family, and community. (Matthew 10:37) “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 19:19) “Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” [John 15:13 ] “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. [1 John 3:16] “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”

  • Storge (στοργή storgē means "affection" in ancient and modern Greek. It is natural affection, like that felt by parents for offspring. (Ephesians 5:28) “So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.”’ It is also known to express mere acceptanc; as in "loving" the unlovable. (Matthew 5:44) “But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;”

Love like it was the last day of your life. Know God, know peace. Amen. 01/02/21 BLL

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