Depending who you ask, there are as many as 12 different kinds of love. In the Biblical context, however, there are basically three which will be the topic of this post.
Eros refers to physical or sexual love. The word eros was commonly used in the Greek-speaking world of New Testament times. This is not a bad kind of love unless it is misused or misplaced such as before marriage. Within marriage it can be a wonderful experience and brings two people who love each other into a closer and more intimate relationship.
Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.
Hebrews 13:4, NLT
Philos means warm affection or friendship. We are to love each other and treat each other the way we want to be treated. Friends care for each other, respect each other, look out for each other, and spend time with each other. How are you doing in that area? Sometimes we get so busy with our own lives that we forget that our friends need us, too, especially if they live alone.
Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth
for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.
1 Peter 1:22 ESV
Agapē is the sacrificial, unconditional love of God. If you completely measure up to this kind of love, I’d like to meet you! You may have unconditional love for husband or wife or children, but only God has the truest sacrificial, unconditional love there is. Sometimes we sacrifice time or money to help others, but rarely do we sacrifice everything we have for some person or cause.
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13 ESV
When our first Black Lab died after 11 years, we went to pick out a new puppy. This momma Yellow Lab was loving on her puppies as they came to her. When people come to you, do you show them love? Sharing God’s love is the best we can do for people. It will give them hope and peace as they navigate this world. Make it a point to show God’s love to someone today. More on gestures of love next time…