“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
I was preaching on love one Sunday morning and read the above verse. A church member commented that it is the most memorized verse in the Bible. I replied that may be true, but many people have it on their lips rather than in their hearts. As Jesus said:
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matt. 22:37-40)
Types of Love
The Greek language has four words for what English calls “love”: Eros, Phileo, Storge, and Agape. Understanding these will deepen our appreciation for God’s love.
1. Eros
Eros is the physical, sensual love between husband and wife. It expresses romantic and sexual attraction. Though the word does not appear in the Bible, it is celebrated in Song of Solomon, which many interpret as an allegory of God’s love for His people and Christ’s love for the Church.
Marriage was instituted in the Garden of Eden. Sexual intimacy in marriage bonds spouses emotionally, spiritually, and for reproduction. Paul writes:
“But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” (1 Cor. 7:9)
Misuse of Eros is condemned, e.g., incest (1 Cor. 5:1-5) and lustful thoughts (Matt. 5:27-28). But in the right context, it is honorable:
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” (Eph. 5:25)
2. Phileo
Phileo denotes friendship-based love, an emotional and intellectual connection. Jesus called His disciples friends and showed deep affection for Lazarus, weeping at his tomb (John 11:32-36). Phileo love is relational, yet it is not necessarily spiritual in nature.
3. Storge
Storge refers to natural familial love—the affection for parents, siblings, and close relatives. It is instinctive and often taken for granted in human relationships.
4. Agape
Agape is the highest form of love, spiritual and selfless. It is the love God has for humanity and the love humanity can express toward God. Agape is not based on feelings but on truth and obedience to God’s Word.
a) God’s Love for Man
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8)
God’s love is unconditional, demonstrated before we became believers. He blesses the just and the unjust alike. His love calls us from sin into life, often through trials and chastisement (Heb. 12:5-6). Agape love is corrective and redemptive.
b) Man’s Love for God
Man responds to God’s love through obedience. The church at Ephesus had left its first love (Rev. 2:4). True Agape is not swayed by distractions, worldliness, or personal gain. It is faithful, constant, and eternal.
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? … Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (Rom. 8:35-37)
True love puts God first, above family, friends, and all other considerations. All other forms of love—Eros, Phileo, Storge—must bow to Agape.
Lessons from Scripture
King Saul and the Amalekites – Saul’s failure to obey God out of misplaced affection cost him his kingship. Loving God requires obedience above all else.
Church Discipline in Corinth – The church’s attempt to protect a sinner instead of addressing sin endangered his soul. True love must align with God’s Word.
David and Goliath – Fear dissolves in the presence of Agape love. David’s love for God gave him courage to face the giant when others fled.
The Greatest Commandment
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matt. 22:37-39)
True love is fearless, selfless, and grounded in God’s Word. It compels us to pray for enemies, bless those who curse us, and do good to those who hate us (Matt. 5:43-48; Rom. 12:19-21). Agape love is a spiritual power, guiding us in life and spiritual warfare, equipping us to live victoriously.
Practicing Agape
Agape is not about pleasing oneself but God. It is demonstrated through obedience, prayer, forgiveness, and selfless acts. It surpasses human understanding and is the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23).
“But now faith, hope, love abide these three, but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Cor. 13:13)
Agape is the power that strengthens, protects, and transforms. It is the love that raptures the Church, conquers fear, and allows us to live in alignment with God’s Word.
Conclusion
The Love of God is eternal, divine, and unchanging. It is the capstone of all virtues, greater than knowledge, faith, or hope. Agape empowers us to love God above all and to love our neighbors, even our enemies. It is not based on feelings but on faithfulness to God’s Word.
“The Father has life in Himself and has given to the Son to have life in Himself.” (John 5:26)
We respond to this life through Agape love, which flows from God into our hearts via the Holy Spirit.
Drink Agape. Love God. Love your neighbor. Love your enemies. Let this love guide your life, fortify your spirit, and prepare you for eternity.
“Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth.” (1 Cor. 13:4-6)
