Hebraic Musing – How would you Define the Levels of Love?
I sincerely would like to hear your
perspective(s). RSVP
The word “Love” in our daily usage has a plethora of
meanings, including a wide range of examples of intimacy (some of which I do
not want to share in a PG musing). Let’s
explore the definition(s) of “Love” from Biblical perspectives. The Bible in Greek uses four different words
to differentiate the types of “love.”*
Why? There are distinctly
different relationships and situations for each; and our English use of the
word “love” can be downright awkward and misinterpreted!
Eros – is a passionate love that is aroused by
romantic feelings; emotional and sexual love focused on one’s own gratification from an intimate relationship with
little or no regard for the feeling of the other person.
Phileo – is
a neighborly care and platonic relationship with
those we know. It is natural for us to desire
friendly relationships with others
we meet and know, i.e. Philadelphia, the “city of Brotherly Love”.
Storge – is the family love that parents naturally
feel for their children and members of the family have for each other. There is dependency on each other; herding together for
protection and survival in dependent clan-like relationships. Biblically we become related as Brothers and
Sisters in the Family of God!
Agape – is
an unconditional love that sees beyond
the surface and accepts and cares for the other person, the recipient, regardless of whom he/she is; regardless
of faults, etc. This kind of love is all
about sacrifice as well as giving and expecting nothing in return. It is a committed, chosen and self-sacrificing
love for others.
We can view the four “loves” based on the range from self-centered-ness all
the way to a total focus on other(s). I sense that the types of “Biblical Love” range
from mostly selfish to totally
selfless:
Eros,
is about pleasure, sometimes selfishly, to
Phileo,
desiring a friendly relationship, to
Storge, a need for one another with willingness to share our resources,
to
Agape, a willingness to give oneself or to die for another…Christ
being the ultimate example:
1 Cor. 15:3 “Christ died for our sins according to the
Scriptures,” NIV
1 Peter 3:18 “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous,
to bring you to God.”
Rom. 5:6 “Christ died for the ungodly.”
Rom. 5:8 “While we were still
sinners, Christ died for us.”
Points to ponder
What have we
lost in our English bible translations by using only one word for “Love”?
For example - What is meant by the expression “making love” with
someone?
When we tell
someone “I love you”, what do we really mean?
Which of the four levels?
Are we capable
of Agape Love this side of Heaven? Why
try? RSVP
♫
What
the world needs now is love, sweet love.
It's the only thing that there's just too little of.
No not just for some but for
everyone.. ♫
Yosef a.k.a. Joe Brusherd
March 22, 2022
Author:
“Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith”
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)” Weekly
“Hebraic Musings” insightsbyyosef.blogspot.com
(1) : strong affection for another arising out of kinship or personal ties,
(2) : attraction based on sexual desire : affection and tenderness felt by lovers
(3) : affection based on admiration, benevolence, or common interests
(4) : an assurance of affection i.e. give her my love
(5) : warm attachment, enthusiasm, or devotion
(6) : the object of attachment, devotion, or admiration
(7) : a beloved person : DARLING —often used as a term of endearment
(8) : unselfish loyal and benevolent (see BENEVOLENT sense or 1a) :concern for the good of another: such as
(a) the fatherly concern of God for humankind (b) brotherly concern for others (c) a person's adoration of God
(9) : an amorous episode : LOVE AFFAIR
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