I owe the idea for this article to my friend Kate. We were talking the other night about how many different types of love were mentioned in the New Testament. I told her I’d find out!
I remember from my studies in Greek there were four different types mentioned, forgive me if I’ve forgotten any.
One is Εροσ. (eros). Erotic love.
Another is Στοργή. (storge). Familial love.
Another is Φιλἐω. (phileo). Affection, liking.
And of course, Ἀγάπη. (agape). Unconditional love.
Neither eros or storge are mentioned by name in the New Testament. Phileo and agape are. In the exchange between Jesus and Peter in John 21:15-18 both are used. Jesus using agape and Peter phileo.
Agape of course is used in that wonderful 1 Corinthians 13 passage. It is of God’s love to and for us. All love comes from Him. Without His love we cannot love. Any attempts we have of loving, even so, whether our fellow humans or loving God back, are pretty miserable at times. But imagine what would happen if we didn’t have God’s love?
It’s Good Friday today. The commemoration of the greatest example of God’s love: that Jesus loved us so much, He would die to save us from sin. And that gift is given freely by His grace. We only need to accept it.
How deep the Father’s love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss –
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.
Behold the man upon a cross,
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life –
I know that it is finished.
I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer;
But this I know with all my heart –
His wounds have paid my ransom.
Stuart TownendCopyright © 1995 Thankyou Music (Adm. by CapitolCMGPublishing.com excl. UK & Europe, adm. by Integrity Music, part of the David C Cook family, songs@integritymusic.com)
At times (not often) I get lonely. I just want someone to love me unconditionally. Then the other day I woke up to myself. That is how God loves me. And I have a lot of friends, online, and around me who DO love me that way. They would jump over the moon if I asked them to. Sure they don’t live with me (and that really would be the test), but they love me warts and all. No questions asked. That love is much deeper than phileo, it’s the human version of agape.
It has really touched me.
So…in the New Testament, there are two types of love mentioned by name.
Greek is such a rich language!
Light of Christ 