Love is a special and complicated emotion that is very difficult to understand. Often, it is confused with lust of the flesh and thereby, many assume it originates from the heart; but, actually it occurs in the brain. Most painters, poets and artists show the heart as the love symbol, when actually it is the brain that generates the chemical signals to make us understand love. The term "Love" has always been used broadly to describe an emotional attraction between two people. However, there are three (3) kinds of love in the Bible and they include: Eros, Philos, and Agape.
Eros is a Greek term which means desire and longing. This love is based on physical attraction and is mostly developed during the beginning stage of a romantic relationship. Unless it is redeemed by the Lord's presence; it can end up being possessive and controlling. Eros love usually triggers "high" feelings in new relationships that result in saying, I love you to a significant other. This love is important, however, it must grow in Jesus or it may not last because it focuses on self gratification rather than on the other person.
Philos is a love based on friendship between two people. Friendship is a major foundation of a successful relationship. This love is affectionate, warm and tender love that is given to another. The word phileo is translated love in the noun form: as how you feel about someone. This unique kind of love is the one you have for a companion or pal. It's compared to loving one another just as you would a brother or sister. Shared experiences, very close and best friends, long time friendships between two or more people exists in this love. Jesus gave a new commandment: By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another, (John 13:35). Christians usually practice in philos love toward one another, which may be good, but it is not very reliable. Let brotherly love continue (Hebrews 13:1).
Finally, Agape love is an unconditional love, the third and highest type of love above the two above, and it is a love that is totally selfless. Usually, the agape love is where a person gives out love to another even if the love given is returned or not, he or she continues to love. This is the highest kind of agape love and it is not human at all, but all completely divine - God's unconditional love for us, His children. His love was shown to us the most when he sent His one and only Son, Jesus Christ to suffer and die on the cross for our salvation. He loved us so much that the Bible tells us: But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, (Romans 5:8). Thank you, Jesus for your obedience. He loved us so much that the Bible tells us: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life, (John 3:16). Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13). Thank you, Jesus Christ!!
sablack/jhb
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