{"id":61865,"date":"2020-07-17T12:44:37","date_gmt":"2020-07-17T09:44:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=61865"},"modified":"2025-11-19T00:25:36","modified_gmt":"2025-11-18T21:25:36","slug":"the-love-of-god","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2020\/07\/17\/the-love-of-god\/","title":{"rendered":"THE LOVE OF GOD"},"content":{"rendered":"

What is God\u2019s love, and why is it so important?<\/span><\/p>\n

Before we can understand God\u2019s love, it helps to understand the different kinds of love that exist in Scripture and in life. The Bible and human experience show three main types of love: Eros, Phileo, and Agape<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\n

1. Eros \u2013 Romantic or passionate love<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Eros is the love that comes from emotion and physical attraction, usually between a husband and wife. It is natural, beautiful, and celebrated in Scripture. For example, Solomon describes the love between him and his bride in the Song of Solomon<\/em>:<\/p>\n

Song of Solomon 1:13\u201317 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n

“My beloved is like a sachet of myrrh resting between my breasts.
\nMy beloved is like a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of En Gedi.
\nBehold, you are beautiful, my beloved; your eyes are doves.
\nBehold, you are beautiful, my beloved, and pleasant; our couch is green.
\nThe beams of our house are cedar; our rafters are fir.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Eros is God-ordained within marriage (Genesis 2:24), reflecting His creative design. However, it is limited\u2014it depends on mutual attraction and intimacy.<\/p>\n

\n

2. Phileo \u2013 Brotherly or relational love<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Phileo is the love that develops from friendship, family, or shared experiences. It is the love you feel for siblings, friends, coworkers, fellow students, or fellow believers.<\/p>\n

While positive, this love is conditional. It often relies on connection, benefit, or familiarity. If the circumstances change, this love can fade.<\/p>\n

Jesus pointed out the limitation of Phileo-type love:<\/p>\n

Matthew 5:46\u201348 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n

“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?
\nIf you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
\nBe perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Human love, even among believers, is imperfect. It cannot meet God\u2019s standard because it is conditional. Only God\u2019s love is perfect.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

3. Agape \u2013 God\u2019s unconditional love<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Agape is the highest and most important love. It is unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial. God\u2019s love does not depend on feelings, circumstances, or whether the other person deserves it. You love even when it is difficult, even when the other person hates you, ignores you, or treats you wrongly.<\/p>\n

Jesus exemplified this love: He died for sinners while we were still enemies (Romans 5:8).<\/p>\n

The Bible describes the characteristics of God\u2019s love:<\/p>\n

1 Corinthians 13:4\u20138 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p>\n

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
\nIt does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
\nLove does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
\nIt always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
\nLove never fails.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Agape is the love that originates from God Himself (1 John 4:8). It is eternal and perfect, unlike human love which is limited and conditional.<\/p>\n

\n

God\u2019s Love in Action<\/h3>\n

God\u2019s love for humanity is the ultimate example of Agape. John 3:16 (NIV) captures this truth:<\/p>\n

“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.”<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Even sinners are loved by God. He desires to save us from sin and eternal separation from Him. No matter how far we have strayed, His love is ready to forgive and restore us.<\/p>\n

Application:<\/strong> Do not harden your heart. Receive God\u2019s love today and accept His forgiveness. These are the last days, and without repentance, dying in sin leads to eternal separation from God (Luke 13:3; Revelation 21:8).<\/p>\n

Shalom.<\/strong><\/p>\n

God\u2019s love is unique, unconditional, and eternal. It is not dependent on who we are or what we do\u2014it is freely given and transformative.<\/p>\n