Where Is The Love?

A young woman who had left home because her father was a drunkard, afterward became a Christian, and announced her intention of returning and doing what she could to reclaim him.

"But what will you do when he finds fault with all your efforts to please him?" someone asked. "Try a little harder," she answered with a soft light in her eyes.

"Yes, but when he is unreasonable and unkind you will be tempted to lose your temper, and answer him angrily. What will you do then?" "Pray a little harder," came the answer with a fearless ring in the words.

The discourager had one more arrow: "Suppose he should strike you, as he did before. What could you do but leave him again?" "Love him a little harder," said the young Christian steadily.

Her splendid perseverance conquered. Through love and prayer and patient effort, her father was not only reclaimed from his besetting sin, but proved Christ's power to save. -New Illustrator

We are all familiar with the incredible power of love. But did you know that there are different types of love? In fact, the Greeks had four words for love. They were:

1. eros - carnal, sexual love, properly reserved for marriage (cf. Hebrews 13:4).
2. philia - the love of close friendship, such as brotherly love (cf. John 11:3).
3. storge - the love of family relationships
4. agape - that love which seeks the highest good of others

It is unfortunate that the English word "love" is not as clearly defined. But for now, let's take a closer look at two of the four words listed; "philia" and "agape".

The distinction between between the two is this: agape means active good will, as that which is commanded, and philia is fondness, heartfelt affection, as that which cannot be forced.

Sounds reasonable enough, right? However, the distinction between the two is not always clear cut. For instance, agape can also be defined as "brotherly love, or affection" (Thayer, Strong). And philia is often commanded in the Scriptures (cf. Romans 12:10; 1 Corinthians 16:22). Perhaps it's better that we shouldn't make too much distinction between the two!

Now that we have defined love, let's reflect on some of the duties we have in regards to love. In the Bible, we are told to love God and Jesus. Accordingly, we are commanded to love (agape) God heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). We are also commanded to love (philia) Jesus, more than family (1 Corinthians 16:22; Matthew 10:37). This is the greatest command of the Law, and it is thoroughly reinforced in the Gospel.

Another duty is to love our brethren, or fellow man. We are to love (agape) one another as Christ loved us (John 13:34-35). Also, we are to be kindly affectionate (philostorgos, love of family)to one another with brotherly love (philadelphia, fraternal affection) - Romans 12:10. That is, with brotherly love that is affectionate and demonstrative to others!

We are told to love our families. Husbands are to love (agape) their wives (which includes to cherish) - Ephesians 5:25,28-29. Wives are to love (philandros, to love as a friend) their husbands - Titus 2:4. Mothers are to love their children (philoteknos, to be fond of one's children) - Titus 2:4. We are to love our families with heartfelt affection that should only be natural in families.

This may be hard for many of us to do, but we are commanded to love our neighbors and enemies. The Bible commands us to love (agape) our neighbor (Mark 12:31); and to love (agape) our enemies (Matthew 5:44). Simply put, we are to love our neighbors and enemies with active good will that allows no distinction between friend and foe!

Here's an additional thought regarding our topic of "love". In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis wrote, "Do not waste your time bothering whether you 'love' your neighbor act as if you did. As soon as we do this, we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him. If you injure someone you dislike, you will find yourself disliking him more. If you do him a good turn, you will find yourself disliking him less."

In closing, I will attempt to summarize today's message by simply using the following quote: "It is natural to love them that love us, but it is supernatural to love them that hate us." -Source Unknown

I know that it can be difficult for many of us to express love the way that God intended for us to. But, if you pray for Him to show you how, and to guide you along the way, you will find it is really isn't that hard to do. We all have the capacity to love as God loves us, sometimes we just need a little help from our Heavenly Father.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for your words in John 13:34-35 34:

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Jesus, it’s a simple concept, but it is so against our nature to live this command out in everyday life. Holy Spirit, remove our selfish hearts and replace them with your own. Help us to react in love when we are wronged. Even down to our thoughts, Lord, renew us with your love. Amen

May God bless you!

Mackenzie