Musick-al note # 307
The English language has only one word for “love” whereas the Greek in which the New Testament was written had four different words that express four different “areas” or “kinds” of “love”.
The Greek words and their meanings are:
1. Philia = tender affection – good feelings- warm feelings – delight in
This word is usually a spontaneous response when we “like” something.
Philia is an emotion and therefore cannot be commanded.
2. Storge = blood bond – kinfolk affection – a natural bond in a family.
Storge is the unbidden recognition of family, for blood kin, married
partners and therefore cannot be commanded.
3. Eros = sexual feelings – erotic emotions – ardent desire. It is a sensuous
quality showing sexual interest, arousal and self-fulfillment.
Eros is an emotion and therefore cannot be commanded.
4. Agape = to speak, think and act toward another in a way that is best for the
other, regardless of one’s feelings about them. It is a decision resulting from
rational thinking and reason. As a result, it can be commanded by the Lord
and obeyed by His followers as they seek to do His will.
Agape is not sexual, nor affection and has nothing to do with blood
relationships. It is not self-seeking nor fulfilling self-will nor acted upon
because of our “feelings” for another person. It seeks the best welfare for all
people whether we are naturally inclined to do so or not. It is a principle by
which we deliberately live as a result of our decision to do the Will of Christ.
Agape is not an emotion, therefore it can be and is commanded by Christ.
Matthew 5:44-45 But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse
you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use
you, and persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in
heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain
on the just and on the unjust.
Agape is commanded by the Lord God so that his disciples could live and work among people to show that they live in a realm above the world and draw others to also follow Him.
Gordon Musick
Musick-al Notes 