He that loveth not knoweth not God, for God is love.
1John 4:8
INTRODUCTION
Love is more essential than any spiritual gift. Even though prophecy is said to have covered the whole range of eternity from the story of creation to the end of Revelation. It is an excellent gift but its use shall stop one day and moreover is useless without love. Wisdom, Knowledge, and understanding are crucial to the growth of man but they could only be profitable if accompanied by love. For love is more essential and greater than them all.
OUTLINES
What is love?
Love is God Himself and it is the bond of Christian perfection. It is to have an affection towards another person which at times you cannot understand. It is beyond human understanding. Colossians 3:14, 1John 4:16
There are at least four Greek words for love
- Eros: [Romantic love] Although it does not appear in the New Testament, it appears in the Old Testament. It means physical sexual desire towards another person. Songs of Solomon 1:12
- Storge: It means Family Affection. It is translated most times in the Bible as ‘kindly affectionate’. Romans 1:31
- Philia: [Friend bond] The Greek word means ‘Affectionate Regards’. It is derived from Philadelphia and translated as ‘brotherly love’ It is a kind of esteemed and affection found in casual friendship. Romans 12:10
- Agape: [Unconditional love] which is the highest form of love. It describes the form of love that God has towards mankind. It is a self-sacrificial love – an act of seeking the best for another person. Such love is based on the deliberate choice of the one who loves rather than the worthiness of the one who is loved. It goes beyond natural human inclination and understanding. It is loving underserved people. John 13:35, 1John 4:8
QUESTIONS
- What is the difference between Philia and Storge?
- Compare Eros to Agape. Which is the best?
- What relevance is the bible passage to this lesson?
- What have you gained from the lesson?