1 John 4.8 The person who does not love does not know God, because God is love.
The fallen world system has taken the sacred things of God and twisted their meanings. In the Greek language, there are two different words that are translated into the English word love. One is eros, and the other is agape. Eros is a physical, sensual kind of love. Within the context of marriage between a man and a woman, eros is by God’s design. But the vast majority of what the world calls love is lust and self-centered.
My time with you this morning is to remind you that real love is from God. The love that describes God is an unselfish kind of a love. It is an others centered, giving kind of a love. Eros on the other hand is a selfish, taking kind of “love.” As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to walk in the God kind of love. A love that reflects the person of Jesus Christ. Thus, the kind of love that is to be found in the church that is born of God is a giving kind of a love. A love that is generous and kind. A love that mis helpful. A love that is a giver, and not a taker. This kind of love comes from God and brings glory to Jesus Christ. This “God kind of love” is to inspire and motivate all that we do.
The highest expression of worship is a life that is filled with and demonstrates the love of God. This kind of love is shed abroad in our hearts as we abide in The True Vine, Jesus Christ. Which definition of love describes you, eros or agape?
There are two other types of love: The love for family, which is called Storge, and the love for friends, which is called Phileo. Recall when Jesus asked Peter, Do you Agape Me more than these, He was asking Peter if he loved Jesus with an unconditional, agape love, as has been stated in this devotional. However, in response to Jesus, Peter says, Lord, you know I Phileo you, or rather, I am fond of you as a friend and love you with a friendship love.
So, there are four Greek words for love.
Storge – Family love, a love between you and your relatives
Phileo love, a love between your friends;
Eros — A love between Husband and wife;
and finally,
Agape Love, the unconditional love between Jesus and us, the Body of Christ.
However, when we try to put our words into First Corinthians 13, we do not have the pure love of Jesus all the time. I cannot say that I am longsuffering, but I certainly want to be that. And the list goes on.
Brothers and sisters, Keep yourselves in the Love of God… Jude 1:21