THE DEFINITION OF LOVE
| A. |
THE GREEK WORD IS
AGAPE... |
| 1. |
One of four Greek words translated
love
a. philia - the love of close friends
or brothers
b. storge - the love of family
c. eros - carnal or sexual love
d. agape - love which seeks the
highest good of others
1) Not just friends, family, or
brethren, but even enemies - cf. Mt 5:44
2) Thus it is a higher form of love
than "brotherly kindness" (love of brothers) |
| 2. |
It can be said that agape love:
a. Does not depend upon the one
being loved as having earned such love
b. Is not an exclusive love (brothers
only), but an all-embracing benevolence
c. Is not an uncontrolled reaction
of the heart, but a concentrated exercise of will
d. Is a caring love, one which becomes
involved in the needs of others
-- Perhaps the simplest definition
is the one often given:
"active good will" or
"unconditional love." |
| B. |
BEST EXEMPLIFIED BY THE FATHER AND
THE SON...
1. God the Father demonstrated agape
love
a. His love for sinners is completely
undeserved by them - Rom 5:8
b. Naturally, His love is called
a "great" love - Ep 2:4-7
2. God the Son demonstrated agape
love
a. By laying down His life for us
- 1 Jn 3:16
b. There is no "greater" love -
Jn 15:13
-- Truly the Father and the Son
have exemplified "active good will" towards all!. |
By Mark A. Copeland,
www.ExecutableOutlines.com
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