4 Types Of Love According To The Bible – Greek Types Of Love

Love is a sensation or emotional inclination towards a person or divine being in the religious case, which occurs in different degrees of intensity, thus defining its strength. This sensation generates effects on the person that can change their way of thinking, influencing the decisions and actions taken.

In the Christian religion, God loves men by taking pity on them, in such a way that he sent his son to earth to free them from their sins; On his part, his faithful followers adore and respect him as a sign of love, just as they love his neighbour; highlighting in this way the 4 types of love according to the bible.

In this sense, the Holy Scriptures teach us that God is love and that he loves all men equally. Although love is considered a legitimate and powerful sign of belief, in today’s society the concept defined in the Bible has deviated a bit, generating confusion in many people with the terms desire and love. Although love can be represented as a desire or need to be close to a person or being, not necessarily wanting something is love.

The Principles of love

Love is a term that appears repeatedly in the Bible, indicating on several occasions that it has its origin in God and that men must love their neighbour as themselves, thus reflecting personal love and with this self-esteem, security, inner confidence and self-acceptance. A person who does not love himself can hardly love another person or be divine.

“He who has not yet loved has not yet truly known God, for God is love” (1 John 4:8).

One of the outstanding qualities of God is love, giving man the opportunity to meet his son in person, developing the ability to love him and each other, since, according to his teachings, a man was created according to him. image and likeness.

In this sense, the New Testament uses in some cases the Greek word “agape” to refer to “love”, reflecting the total inclination of God towards men and all his sacrifices, including those of Jesus on earth.

Types of love according to the bible – Greek types of love

According to the Bible in its books, there are four characteristic representations of love: Eros, Storge, Philia and Agape, which are derived from the Greek word and represent the romantic, family, brotherly and divine love of God.

Characteristics of love Eros according to the bible

Eros is a word of Greek origin that means sensual, carnal, romantic and erotic (sexual) love. This type of love is related to the carnal and sexual impulse or desire, in which the person seeks to satisfy erotic ambitions selfishly and focused on her own satisfaction, only caring about herself.

Eros is considered vain and his goal is to seek casual sex regardless of feelings or loyalty to other people (infidelity).

Although the word Eros does not appear in itself in the Bible, in books such as Song of Solomon and 1 Corinthians, erotic love and the importance of not being overcome by immorality and carnal thoughts are highlighted. Because the Bible states that only sexual relations within marriage are allowed, this type of love is limited to couples united by God.

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Characteristics of love Storge according to the bible

Storage is a word of Greek origin that highlights the brotherly, sincere and lasting love characteristic of the family environment. This type of love is related to the intimate and affectionate union that originates in the family, whether between parents and children or siblings.

Storge is characterized by the affective bond that naturally develops feelings of solidarity, needs, appreciation, loyalty, protection, cooperation and concern for the well-being of those close to them.

“Love one another with brotherly love” (Romans 12:10).

Characteristics of love Philia according to the bible

Philia is a word of Greek origin that means love between two people, highlighting the affection between loved ones and the affections that Christians can relate to with their neighbours.

This type of love is related to a powerful affective union between people, mainly characterized by close friendships.

Philia is considered the most extensive type of love in the Bible since it seeks to promote common well-being, love of neighbour, care, cooperation, commitment and respect for close people, who do not necessarily have a family bond.

“A friend loves all the time, it is as if he were a brother in times of trouble” (Proverbs 17:17).

Characteristics of agape love according to the bible

Agape is a word of Greek origin that means the infinite love of God for all men. This type of love, which is the strongest, is related to the pure and unconditional love of God, a love willing to suffer, believe, hope and endure anything without decreasing or succumbing.

Agape is considered an enriching, perfect, absolute, sacrificial and pure love, which God can have on a deity, man, nature or the union of all these. The Lord’s love is unconditional and powerful, He does not discriminate against anyone because of their physical features and He has sympathy for everyone equally.

“Love is not that we loved God, but that he loved us enough to send his Son as a sacrifice for all our sins” (1 John 4:10).

Distinctive traits of love

Love is one of the strongest sensations that man can perceive, providing him with security, protection, support and positive effects in his way of acting and seeing his environment.

True love is sincere, protective, trusting, patient, persevering and kind; he is not resentful, presumptuous, rude, selfish, or self-serving.

True love is unconditional and despite adversity, it will not decrease or betray, prevailing over any temptation or evil thought that may cause sin or deception. True love is perfect, pure and true, just like God’s love for all men.