Right away I think of a Howard Jones song with the same
title. But honestly what is love in the Bible anyway. First we must understand
that the Greek, which most of the New Testament was written in has many words for
love. They are :
- Eros – Passionate love,sexual
- Philia – Deep friendship
- Ludus – A playful love, child like love.
- Agape – Selfless love for others
- Pragma – longstanding love over long relationships
- Phiautia – love of self
- Storge – natural affection between family members
The most common assume definition of love in the English
language is Eros, which is rarely if ever used in the Bible. The most common
word interpreted in the Bible for love is Agape. So what does this really mean
for us as Christians?
Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:1-2 that we should give ourselves
like Jesus did:
1 Therefore
be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk
in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering
and sacrifice to God.
In this instance Paul is saying love is giving ourselves to
others. In this instance he uses the extreme of Jesus giving his life so we
could receive salvation. But if we really love someone we should not just say
it but rather do it.
Now get your minds out of the gutter and follow me. Giving
one’s self away is being selfless or showing love by putting another first.
Doing what others need with no expectation of a reward, from the person you are
helping or really even God. No, just giving your time and attention to another.
Simple, at least to say but how to do it.
Again … gutter. Honestly this is something I struggle with
daily mainly because I am easily distracted and some feel that is not showing
you care. I understand what they say but that squirrel is over there and needs
to be chased. It’s takes time and practice. More often I fail since I don’t get
the rules. But I will keep trying until I die … again;-)
I love my wife on many Greek levels, just need to be able
to give myself to her more … again, gutter.