February 14, 2022 – Happy Valentine’s Day

There are three commonly used Greek words for love in the Bible:  Agape, Philia, and Eros.

Agape: this love is the love of G-d for G-d’s creation – and the love we should have for G-d. The word Agape is the word used in the Bible when it refers to the love that G-d has for humanity – the kind of love humanity should have for G-d.

Philia: this love is the “affectionate friendship,” love “between equals. The city of Philadelphia is known to us as the city of “Brotherly Love” – though not at an Eagle’s game.

Eros: this love is “mostly of the sexual passion; the love celebrated at a wedding”.

Love is not a gift as much as it is a command – but love is a complicated matter – it really is. I think we can all agree that love is complicated, and love is a many splendor thing – but in the Greek language, love is a difficult word. So, when we talk about love, or read about love in the bible, it is necessary to know what word is being used in the original language. For example, if you have been to a wedding in the last 20 years, you most likely have heard the lesson from 1 Corinthians 13 read at the ceremony. It is a beautiful lesson about love. But the Greek word used is Agape, not Eros. It is not talking about passionate love, or romantic love being patient, kind, and not envious, jealous or rude. Paul is talking about Agape love, or the love of G-d for humanity and humanity’s love of and for G-d. 

You see, G-d is so serious about our love for G-d, G-d’s love for us and our love for each other, that Jesus commanded us to love. “Little children, I am with you only a little while longer. You will look for Me, and as I said to the Jews, so now I say to you: ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.” By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35) It is not a suggestion – it is a command. And Jesus says it should be a love that is not self-serving – but a love born out of G-d’s love that is selfless, humble and sacrificial. 

My friends, we are called to love one another – and Jesus is serious about that love. So, when we can love with the sacrificial heart that G-d is seeking from each one of us, then love truly is a gift.

Pastor Dave