SHADES OF LOVE

SHADES OF LOVE

Thursday, September 19, 2013

  We cannot understand anger, especially murderous wrath, without first understanding love.

  Our colloquial English use of “love” is beyond ridiculous: “I love my mother.” (girlfriend, wife, children etc.) and from same lips declaring “I love my dog.” (car, boat, job etc.).

  If we switched to usage of Greek in expressing love it would be better in relationships, or maybe not . . . for as with Peter we don’t always love candid expression. 

  Using e-Sword as source, here are definitions:

Agápe (ἀγάπη agápē[1]) means love in a "spiritual" sense. This love is selfless; it gives and expects nothing in return. Agape is used in the biblical passage known as the "love chapter," 1 Corinthians 13, and is described there and throughout the New Testament as sacrificial and spiritual love. Whether the love given is returned or not, the person continues to love (even without any self-benefit). Agape is also used in ancient texts to denote feelings for one's children and the feelings for a spouse, and it was also used to refer to a love feast. It can also be described as the feeling of being content or holding one in high regard. Agape was used by Christians to express the [John 3:16] unconditional love of God. …

Éros (ἔρως érōs[2]) is "physical" passionate love, with sensual desire and longing. Romantic, pure emotion without the balance of logic. "Love at first sight". The Modern Greek word "erotas" means "intimate love;" however, eros does not have to be sexual in nature. Eros can be interpreted as a love for someone whom you love more than the philia, love of friendship. It can also apply to dating relationships as well as marriage. …

Philia (φιλία philía[3]) is "mental" love. It means affectionate regard or friendship in both ancient and modern Greek. This type of love has give and take. It is a dispassionate virtuous love, a concept developed by Aristotle. It includes loyalty to friends, family, and community, and requires virtue, equality and familiarity. In ancient texts, philos denoted a general type of love, used for love between family, between friends, a desire or enjoyment of an activity, as well as between lovers.

Storge (στοργή storgē[4]) means "affection" in ancient and modern Greek. It is natural affection, like that felt by parents for offspring. Rarely used in ancient works, and then almost exclusively as a descriptor of relationships within the family. It is also known to express mere acceptance or putting up with situations, as in "loving" the tyrant.

  As you can see from the above definitions, expressing love using Greek would be quite different; definitely more distinct. For example: “Dear lady, I want you to know that my love for you began with feelings of eros. After consummating our marriage in this way I came to discover I had storge for you. I don’t know when the change happened, possibly with our first pregnancy, but one day I realized I do feel  storge and philia for you, our children, and our extended family. Though you obviously enjoy eros in our relationship, and have always evidenced philia and storge, you, with the agape you brought to and continue in our and other relationships, are much more of a godly person than I. Oh, and just so you understand, though you’ve heard me say it, I don’t love my car as I love you.”

  OK, you may not be so eloquent, nor am I easily so. (It took me almost 30 minutes to put the above quote together.) But, like anger, love really comes down to decisive actions, doesn’t it?  EBB4