There are four types of love found in the Bible: Storge, Philia, Eros, and Agape. All four words are Greek terms, each with a distinct and deep meaning for a certain type of love. For some reason unknown to me our American language has pretty much ignored the distinct characteristics of each love term and pretty much bundled all types of love into one big “love” fest.
Though the individual words may be absent, most folks are still blessed to experience each of these loves during a lifetime, me included.
Storge type of love became known to me first and is the central love encompassing my family. Philia love is my love and care of others. Eros love is the intimate love I share only with my husband.
Each of these loves are precious to me, but it’s the agape love of God that gives life!
Agape (Ancient Greek ἀγάπη, agapē) is a Greco-Christian term referring to love. Agape is selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love, the highest type of the four loves in the Bible. It is “the highest form of love, charity” and “the love of God for man and of man for God”.
God’s perfect action of agape love is when He sent His one and only son to atone for our sin.
Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Agape is a love action chosen towards another, regardless of how the other person treats or thinks of the giver. Agape is pure love consisting of faithfulness, dependability, no strings attached.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
God’s agape love never ends.
Agape is different from the other types of love because it has simply always been there. God never decided to love you, He always loves you. Even before you were born He loved you. We must understand that God’s love is not emotional, its is love in action because God is love!
1 John 4:7-8 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
Love is who/what God is so it’s only natural–there really is no way around it–God’s love for us is prominently displayed in His actions. He forgives, offers mercy and grace, has patience, wants only the best for us and delights when we call to Him. Those are all perfect actions of love.
That’s why Jesus came; to show what true love is by demonstrating the love of God.
If you are a follower of Jesus, you too have agape love within you. If you are not yet a follower but would like to know Him better, now is the perfect time to do so.
Pray this sinner’s prayer found at Gotquestions.com, and you will feel the love of God in action:
“God, I know that I am a sinner. I know that I deserve the consequences of my sin. However, I am trusting in Jesus Christ as my Savior. I believe that His death and resurrection provided for my forgiveness. I trust in Jesus and Jesus alone as my personal Lord and Savior. Thank you Lord, for saving me and forgiving me! Amen!”
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