“…the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5:22-23
Over the next several days I will be looking at the Fruits of the Spirit. Today we’ll take a look at ‘love’. There are 4 different types of love in God’s economy. I’ve often said that if you ever want to know the definition of ‘love’ you can go to chapter 13 of 1st Corinthians. That is God’s definition of ‘love’, spelled out in detail. I will look at that another time. Today I wish to touch on the 4 different types of love.
Four unique forms of love are found in the Bible. They are communicated through four Greek words: Eros, Storge, Philia, and Agape. We'll explore these different types of love characterized by romantic love, family love, brotherly love, and God's divine love.
Eros (pronounced “air’ohs”) – Sensual or romantic love between a man and a woman.
God’s design is that a man not be alone, so he created woman out of man’s side (Genesis 2:22). God has sexual relations reserved for a man and woman who are to be married. Sleeping with anyone and everyone you meet cheapens the act of making love (eros).
Now of course man, in all his wisdom, decided having sex with anyone you so desire, whether you are married or not was all right. That has led to some pretty calamitous consequences. Everyone involved get his or her heart pierced. The emotional toll can be devastating for all parties concerned.
In my humble opinion, the term “lovemaking” or “making love” sounds so much more intimate and romantic. Any living creature can engage in sex. It takes a personally intimate relationship with someone to engage in lovemaking. The term sex, while technically correct, cheapens the act. The world has gone crazy for sex. It’s in movies, on TV shows (via innuendo), in magazines. When does it stop? Not till the final trumpet sounds and time is no more. And it will get worse before it gets better.
Today’s word is “eros” – the sensual / romantic love between men and women. Until next time, when we look at “storge” or familial love, walk with the King and be a blessing.
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