Love Is...

Used in more marriage ceremonies and anniversary celebrations, the thirteenth chapter in Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth is considered by many to be the "love" chapter in the Bible. In this passage, Paul speaks to the power, place and purpose of love. As Christians, we have its' preeminence through the power of the Holy Spirit. Love can and has truly conquered all. The love of God to create us and the love of Jesus to save us. However, unlike the world, we must never confuse the different types of love that God created. And even though society tries to convince us otherwise, love is not just love. There are, in fact, four types of specific and unique forms of love described in God's Word.

The first is agape love. This is the type of love God has for you and me. It is unconditional, sacrificial and selfless. God does not just love us, He is the very epitome of love itself. 1John 4:8 clearly tells us that God is love.

Next is eros love which is romantic, passionate and sexual in nature. Eros love is a divine gift intended exclusively for marriage. Jesus tells us in the Book of Mark (10:7) that a man and woman shall leave their families and become one flesh. The Bible is filled with examples of eros love including an entire book (The Song of Solomon). Unfortunately, as with many things, the world will try to pervert the beauty of God's creation and the emotional and physical love shared between a man and a women.

Third is philia love. Philia love is that between close friends or acquaintances. It is a deep friendship or warm affection like that shown in the first book of Samuel between Jonathan and David. It is also the type of love shown between members of our congregation. Jesus even displayed it in his conversation with Peter asking him to feed his (Jesus') sheep. As believers, we are co-heirs with Jesus and considered to be children of God. It is why we call one another brother or sister.

Finally, there is philautia love. Often misused, misinterpreted or misguided as self-centered love, philautia love in its' biblical form is a healthy, compassionate, self-respect we have along with a appreciation of our individual worth in God's plan.

And just as we read in 1Corinthians 13, And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

Pastor Aaron