Comparison to Other Greek Words for Love
| Type | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Agape | Unconditional, sacrificial | God's love, committed love |
| Philia | Brotherly/friendship love | Deep friendship |
| Storge | Family/affectionate love | Parental or familial bonds |
| Eros | Romantic/passionate love | Physical attraction |
Agape Love vs. Feelings
- Agape is a choice and an action, not an emotion. It is a deliberate decision to seek the highest good for another person, even when you don’t feel like it.
- Feelings (romantic, warm, affectionate, etc.) are usually tied to eros or philia — those can fluctuate with circumstances, mood, or how the other person behaves.
- Agape remains steady even when feelings are absent or negative. Example: God’s agape love sent Jesus to die for us while we were still sinners and enemies of God (Romans 5:8, 5:10). There was no warm fuzzy feeling driving that — it was pure, committed love.
Ps 9
1I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
2I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High.
Those words "I will" imply the use of willpower and decision making. It has nothing, zero to do with feelings. We make a decision to "God Love" with, in and through our Lord Jesus Christ. We do it together. We are called to walk like He did. He walked in Love because He IS Love. We are to be just like Him, especially when it comes to this.
Matthew 22:37-40 : Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.
This ^^^ combined with 1 Cor 13 and just about all of 1 John pack an overwhelming message that we must get Love right. This should be shouted from every "church" rooftop and at least mentioned in every "sermon." Its that important. All the law and the prophets wrapped up in those two commandments? Think about it....
There is a difference between God's Love and other types of love. See the comparison at the top. We are to love as He did. We want to win souls? We need to love. We want to fight the hate and negativity poured out over this world like sewage into a drain? We are going to have to Love. The answer to the hate and evil is not more hatred and evil, its Love and Light. God is Love and He is Light. He is the answer this world is looking for.
Please join with your brother in praying over the prayer targets today.
Glory to God
grace and peace
