We all want and need love. But, do you know how to love someone else?
The Bible tells us about love. In 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV, it reads, “4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 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.”
There are 4 different kinds of love talked about in the Bible: 1. Eros Love is the sensual or romantic love. This type of love seeks its own interest. It wants to possess the object of love. God says in the Bible that this type of love is reserved for marriage.
1 Corinthians 7:8-9 NLT is where Paul warns against immorality. “8 So I say to those who aren’t married and to the widows-it’s better to stay unmarried, just as I am. 9 But if they can’t control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It is better to marry than to burn with lust.”
2. Storge Love is a Greek word describing family love. Storge is pronounced STOR-jay. This is the affectionate bond that develops naturally between parents and children, and brothers and sisters.
“We love because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 NIV
3. Philia Love is the type of love practiced by Christians towards each other. This Greek term identifies this type of love as a powerful emotional bond seen in deep friendships. This is the most general type of love that is found in scripture.
John 13:35 NIV, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
4. Agape Love is the highest form of love. This is the kind that Jesus Christ demonstrated to His Father and to all humanity. It is perfect, unconditional, sacrificial and pure.
Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 NIV
There is one other type of love in Greek. It is Philautia Love that is love of one’s self or self-love. Yes, we have to have love for ourselves, but not to the extent that only you matter. Serving others, your family, friends, the lost, the homeless, is all part of God’s love. It is what we are told to do by our Savior, Jesus Christ. Loving brings unity!
I hope this helps you and your marriage! You can always go to our Prayer Wall and add a prayer request. It does not need to be about marriage or a relationship. It can be about anything! It would be our pleasure to pray and stand with you!
If you need to talk with someone, please reach out to info@unitymarriageministry.org. It would bless and honor us to speak with you! REMEMBER:
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!
