A Defining Love

By Jonathan D. Payne 
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The American Christian Journal
PRINCIPLES OF FAITH

"Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." Matthew 22:36-40

You have probably heard many a sermon on what faith is. However, the many multitudes of words aside, most don't understand God's definition of the very thing that should define us. It is something that I have struggled with for so long. What seems to be so hard for humans to grasp? 

In a word - love!

Let us take a look at what man defines as the types of Love:

Eros

This type of love is about ideal beauty, passionate physical and emotional, lustful love. It usually refer to sex and this type of love in the Bible means love between a man and his wife. It is more than sexual ecstasy and includes yearning and caring. This love needs to be fulfilled and is kind of self-centered love. It is not concerned about the other person and is based on attraction and desire. The Eros type of love fades away with time.

Storge

This is the second form of love that is not directly mentioned in the Bible in its noun or verb form. This type of love normally refers to the love of friendship, family love, a love shared between parents and children. It can also be the love of one person for his leader. Here one wants the best for his friend or lover. Even after lovers part, this type of love will survive in the form of friendship.

Ludus

This is about a love game, where a lover wants to have fun and not get into a serious form of relationship. Here the conquest of love is the goal without a deep intimacy or intensity.

Agape

This type of love, mentioned in the Bible relates to a dutiful, selfless love. This love is between a mother and her child that is given without ever asking for anything in return. In this form of love, the lover views their partner as a blessing. They will do anything to take care of them. People who follow this kind of love are mostly spiritual or religious people.

Pragma

This is a practical type of love with realistic needs. People who tend to love on the basis of Pragma are searching for partners with a basic set of qualities. This kind of love may sometimes be unemotional.

Phileo

Phileo is the type of love, mentioned in the Bible that refers to brotherly love. This is deep-rooted emotion where love grows and both partners are benefited from the friendship. This love is going beyond the superficial needs in a relationship and striving for a deeper connection. The words being shallow or pretentious hold no meaning in this type of love.

Mania

Mania is a highly obsessive and volatile form of love. This type of love is usually seen in people with a very low self-esteem. In this form of love, the person tends to get too involved with the person they fancy. Their love changes into jealousy, possessiveness and carries great intensity. The person cannot concentrate on work or study and may tend to become a danger to their lover or even themselves.

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None of these definitions are love though, these definitions are what mankind considers love - but what of God Himself? First let us define WHO and WHAT is God by His own definitions.

1 John 4:8 - He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

2 Corinthians 13:11 - Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Ephesians 3:19 - And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

Ephesians 5:2 - And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

2 Thessalonians 3:5 - And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

Now how does God apply that love?

Zephaniah 3:17 - The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

John 16:27 - For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

So we HAVE the gift of God's love, have a better understanding of what it is and how God uses it in our relationship with Him. Now the final piece of it fits the verse we started with in it's finishing place concerning our faith, and the foundation which is love.

Romans 12:16 - Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Philippians 2:5-7 - Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

And that mindset, that cornerstone of our faith in God is love - it is the foundation of all.

Be blessed, be loved and be at peace. May the peace and glory of God's presence fire the brilliance of your souls. You are greatly loved.