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Q: |
I understand that there are four types of love
expressed in the Bible. Agape, Eros, Philio and
some other one I can't remember. Can you explain them? |
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A: |
Yes,
there are four: Agape, Eros, Philo and the one you can't remember is Stergo. Here are some basic definitions: Agape - agape is the
noun and agapao, the verb form of this word, speaks of Godly love. It is the
type of love that comes from God or because of God and is outside of
circumstance or human determination. This type of love is not spoken about in
secular literature because it is a concept it starts with God and depend on
God. Agape love is a love that is chosen, applied an exercise by God towards
humans strictly as a manifestation of his will and attributes. It is a type
of love practice between humans in response to how God commands us to love
each other. It is a word that has special significance for New Testament
Christians as it is especially indicative of Christ's love shown by his
sacrifice on the cross for our sins. The writers of the Septuagint use the
noun 20 times in the verb over 250 times replacing the Hebrew word "hesed" (lovingkindness)
with agape, a word they had to create to convey the concept of a agape love. Eros - Eros is the
name of the Greek god of love and is the word used for physical, sensual and
sexual love. We derive our word "erotic" from it and does not
appear in the New Testament. Interestingly, this is the most common form of
love that you will find in a society that is moving away from Godly standards
or has already departed them. Philo - Philo is a
general term for affection for attraction between people not taking into
account relationships. It can be used in a general way such as "the love
of God's Word" and we take its meaning in such words like Philadelphia
"the city of brotherly love". 2Peter 2:17; Colossians 2:8 Stergo - Stergo
is a familial type of love such as parents to children, subject to royalty or
perhaps even how a pet loves its master. The positive form can carry a
meaning like devotion or dedicated in the negative form can communicate the
concepts of heartless or without love. Romans 12:10; Romans 1:31; 2Timothy 3:3 |