Three Loves

Love - The ancient Greeks had four different words we translate love. It is important to understand the difference between the words:

1. "Eros" was one word for love. It described, as we might guess from the word itself, erotic love. It refers to sexual love.

2. "Storge" was the second word for love. It refers to family love, the kind of love there is between a parent and child, or between family members in general.

3. "Philia" is the third word for love. It speaks of a brotherly friendship and affection. It is the love of deep friendship and partnership. It might be described as the highest love of which man, without God's help, is capable of.

4. "Agape" is the fourth word for love. It is a love that loves without changing. It is a self-giving love that gives without demanding or expecting re-payment. It is love so great that it can be given to the unlovable or unappealing. It is love