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What are the 4 Types of Love in the Bible? A Concise Exploration – Viral Believer
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What are the 4 Types of Love in the Bible? A Concise Exploration

The Bible, both Old Testament and New Testament, is a beautiful tapestry of love stories, divine instruction, and timeless wisdom. One of its key messages is that love, or the word agape, is the very essence of God Himself.

Throughout the pages of Scripture, we find various expressions of love, each unique and powerful, painting a multifaceted picture of what it truly means to love.

In fact, the Bible showcases four distinct forms of love that, when understood, can lead to a more profound spiritual walk and a fuller life. God’s loves are evident in every aspect of these sacred texts.

In this insightful exploration, we will delve into each of these four types of love in the Bible, learning from both the Old Testament and New Testament Scripture how to recognize and cultivate them in our own lives.

From tender affection to the unconditional commitment of agape love, these aspects of loves will empower us to love like Jesus did. So, join us on this journey, as we uncover the secrets of the biblical expressions of love.

Bible Verses About Love

Key Takeaways:

  1. The Bible reveals four primary types of love, also known as loves in Greek translation: agape, phileo (philia), storge (familial affection), and eros.

  2. Understanding the four loves, including philia (friendship), is essential for deepening our relationships and spiritual walk in accordance with the Bible.

  3. Each type of love, as described in the bible through the concept of four loves, has unique characteristics and a biblical foundation, reflecting the different types of love Jesus exemplified.

  4. Learning to recognize and nurture these aspects of love, friendship, and the word “loves” will lead to a fuller, more loving life, where we can address our need for connection.

Agape: The Divine Love

Agape is the highest form of love and is best exemplified by God Himself. This divine love is unconditional and sacrificial, freely given without expectation of anything in return.

Agape seeks the betterment of others and is solely based on the character of the giver. It is not driven by emotions or circumstances, but rather by a steadfast resolve to commit to the well-being of others.

In John 3:16, we witness the perfect example of agape love in the Bible: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

God’s unwavering loves for humanity, even in our imperfections, is the epitome of agape love. This Greek word represents sacrificial act of love laid the foundation for the redemption of mankind and is the ultimate display of God’s boundless affection.

Christians are called to embody this selfless love, as Paul exhorted in the Bible, Romans 5:8, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” By reflecting agape love in our lives, we emulate Christ and experience a profound expression of love.

Agape is the foundation of Christian faith and is the driving force behind a life committed to loving others as Christ loves us. In the word of C.S. Lewis, agape is the highest form of love that transcends all other forms.

Phileo: The Love of Friendship

Phileo is brotherly or friendly love, the affection that develops between companions and friends. It is an intimate, warm, and reciprocal connection that allows for vulnerability and trust.

Unlike agape, which is rooted in the character of the giver, phileo is based on the mutual chemistry between the individuals involved. It is the shared joy, laughter, and camaraderie that binds friends together in transparent and genuine relationships.

Phileo is beautifully captured in the Bible, specifically in Proverbs 18:24, which states, “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” This type of love is demonstrated in the close friendship between David and Jonathan in the Old Testament.

Their bond was so strong that, when faced with the tragic death of Jonathan, David lamented, “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women” (2 Samuel 1:26).

In the context of God’s love, phileo represents the deep affection and friendship that He has for His children. It is reminiscent of C.S. Lewis’ exploration of different types of love, where phileo stands as a testament to the power of true friendship and connection.

We are also called to love our spiritual brothers and sisters with phileo love, echoing Jesus’ words in the Bible, specifically John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”

This loving bond, described by Lewis as the heartwarming and compassionate expression of love, unites us as the body of Christ and empowers us to support and encourage one another. It is this godly love that strengthens relationships not only within the church but also in our everyday lives.

Storge: The Love of Family

Storge refers to familial love – the bond between parents, children, and siblings. It is instinctive, tender, and nurturing, creating a deep sense of belonging. Storge love exists between family members regardless of their personal traits or character, as it is built on the innate connection that blood ties bring.

In Scripture, we find numerous examples of storge love, such as the affection between Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi (Ruth 1:16-17). Ruth’s unwavering dedication to her mother-in-law during a time of tremendous hardship and despair exhibits a profound example of storge love in the Bible.

Her decision to leave her homeland and people to support Naomi is a testament to the strength of this familial bond and God’s guidance. As C.S. Lewis also explored in his writings, storge love is an essential aspect of human relationships.

Another example of storge love is seen in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) in the Bible. Despite the disrespect and dissension displayed by his youngest son, the father demonstrates unwavering love and forgiveness when the son returns home.

This vivid illustration of storge love, as described by Lewis, highlights the compassionate nature of a parent’s love. It also serves as a reminder that our Heavenly Father, God, awaits with open arms, ready to embrace us despite our missteps and rebellions.

As members of God’s family, we are called to demonstrate storge love within our own homes and churches. Ephesians 5:1-2 in the Bible instructs us to “be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us.”

Through storge love, which C.S. Lewis also explores, we can create a welcoming atmosphere of acceptance, nurturing, and steadfast love. It is the bedrock upon which our families, communities, and churches must be built.

Eros: The Love of Passion

Eros is the passionate, romantic love that burns between husband and wife. It is celebrated within the confines of marriage, reflecting God’s gift of physical intimacy to bring couples closer together. Eros is a God-ordained expression of love, as evidenced in the passionate poetry of the Song of Solomon.

As it transcends beyond mere physical desire, eros reflects the emotional connection and spiritual unity that can be achieved between a man and a woman joined in holy matrimony.

The sanctity of eros love within marriage is affirmed by the author of Hebrews in the Bible, who instructed, “Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled” (Hebrews 13:4).

By cherishing and nurturing eros within our marriages, as Lewis also emphasizes, we not only grow closer to our spouse but also honor God’s intended design for this intimate form of love. This passionate expression of love serves as a strong adhesive, holding marriages together and providing a solid foundation for family life.

However, it is crucial to recognize the distinction between eros and lust, as the Bible teaches. Scripture makes it clear that lust, which is selfish and self-gratifying, is sinful (Matthew 5:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5).

Eros, on the other hand, is a selfless expression of love within the boundaries of marriage, serving to strengthen and preserve the marital bond. Honoring and nurturing eros love between husband and wife is an essential component of cultivating healthy, God-honoring marriages, as Lewis also emphasizes.

In Conclusion

To capture the beauty and complexity of love as expressed in the Bible, it is imperative to acknowledge and appreciate each of the four types of love.

By understanding the unique characteristics of agape, phileo, storge, and eros love, as explored by Lewis, we can discern the significance of these biblical expressions of love in our own lives and our relationship with God.

Love is a multifaceted aspect of our divine and human experiences.

As followers of Christ and students of the Bible, let us endeavor to cultivate each of these four types of love, as described by Lewis, in our relationships, seeking to better understand and emulate Jesus, who is the embodiment of love itself and the perfect reflection of God’s love for us.

As we unlock the secrets to the four types of love in the Bible, inspired by Lewis’ exploration of these concepts, we journey closer to the heart of God Himself – for, as 1 John 4:16 tells us, “God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.