Msg#1623 Agape Phileo and and Oikeia Kind of Love

What The Bible Says

Good Samaritan's Penny Pulpit by Pastor Ed Rice

The Greeks have five words used to describe what they love; three of them are knit together to describe the rare relationship labeled BFF, or best friends forever. The twit on facebook might have hundreds of “friends” but in real life one can count their best friends on one hand and they are not “Face Book” friends. Two of the Greek words have no place in the upright or in ones friendship. “Epithymeo Love” describes a longing for what is forbidden. In the NT it is translated “lust” thirty times and “concupiscence” thrice. The second, “Eros or Erotic Love” describes a selfish desire for sexual intimacy; infatuation is a synonym. Epithymeo and eros are character flaws. Pure love is described in 1Cor 13, it is an absolutely selfless love captured in the Greek tongue as “Agape Love.” It is commanded that a Christian have this type of love for their spouse, the brethren, the hypocrites, the lost sinner, and their enemy. Jesus said, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples...” If agape love is all that one has for their spouse/friend, they have a miserable marriage/friendship. “Phileo Love” is a close kinship kind of love. Phileo is not commanded but grown and developed. When practicing “love” of the brethren some individuals find a commonality in character, personality, and thinking and a phileo love develops over time. Peter denied Christ thrice and then thrice Jesus asked Peter, “Lovest thou me...?” Some slight Peter for declaring a phileo love for Christ. Best friend and marital love bonds with phileo character. That last Greek word is “Oikeia Love” describing the familiar, cozy, comfortable, secure love. Bev and I, hand in hand, sat and watched the sun set on our day. Not a word was spoken; it was an okeia moment.

An Essay for week #23 Jun 5, 16

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