Glen Park Gospel Church >> Editorial >> Feature

Each month the Glen Park Gospel Church produce a one page newsletter called the Green Leaf. It's available from the chapel each Sunday. Anything that may be of mild interest will be published here.

Four Things Called Love

The ancient Greek language was complete; deep and broad, much like English, French and Mandarin today. In the middle ages, after the Greek and Roman empires, the richness fell away much as has been happening to English over the past century with many subtle words lost and with poorer grammar, everything becoming simplified and shallow. People only use the words that they need in daily life. This is common to most people of the world who often speak what is known as a trade language, especially between different people groups. But of course every culture has something about it that is deeper and so there is more flavour of language around those things.

The Greek words for love still persist but are generally not used; the most common being Eros. This is politely called romantic love but is the most selfish form and has no place outside marriage. Even so the Bibles says "Do not deprive one another..." 1 Corinthians 7:5.

Storge (pronounced StorJay) is familial love and is a natural part of a family living closely together, sharing struggles and joy. "Love one another with brotherly affection..." Romans 12:10. The Bible has no command about Storge but acknowledges it is normal.

Philia is a chosen close friendship that is likened to the love of a family. The son of king Saul had such a friendship with David, despite the king's later anguish. "...the soul of Jonathan was knit to the soul of David..." 1 Samuel 18:1.

Agape (AhGahPay) is the highest form of love, being selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. When tested by Pharisees and Scribes on the greatest commandment, Jesus answered with quotes from Deuteronomy and Leviticus* "And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbour as yourself." Mark 12:30-31. That is a lot and Jesus emphasised how much this love might cost. "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13. Many have loved this far in times of war and heroism. We should not hold lightly the sacrifices made by those who have fallen in such a way. We are also reminded that God gave the Son's life on the cross in love. God continually loves us. We cannot out-love God, but are encouraged to be as selfless even seemingly against our own benefit.

* Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18

Thought for the Month

"To give anything less than your best, is to sacrifice the gift."

Steve Prefontaine, an American athlete

The Three Year Bible readings will continue to cycle on this site as usual, click here.

For past features (since 1995) see our archive

Home || Back || Feature || Quick Verse || Think || Skeptics
Church Info || Gospel || Editorial || History || Easter || Bible Studies || Missions || Archive || Site Map || Privacy