Tips
- Regularly ask, “How can I serve you today?”
- Practice small acts of kindness and thoughtfulness daily.
- Listen attentively and prioritize the others’ needs.
“Love” definitions
The word “love” is one of the most misunderstood words in the English language. “I love playing basketball,” has a different meaning than “I love my husband / wife.”
Additionally, the New Testament was written in Greek and has been translated into English for us. Several Greek words are used to describe different kinds of love, each with its own meaning and nuance. When thinking about a New Testament context, the main Greek words for “love” which might be relevant are:
- Agape (Phonetic pronunciation: uh-GAH-pay)
This is the most prominent and distinctive word for love in the New Testament. Agape refers to unconditional, sacrificial, selfless love—the highest form of love that chooses to serve and seek the good of others regardless of feelings. It is the kind of love God has for humans and that Christians are called to emulate. Examples include God’s love for the world (John 3:16) and the love described in 1 Corinthians 13. Agape is often associated with willful choice rather than emotion alone. - Philia or Phileo (Phonetic pronunciation: fee-LEE-ah [noun], fee-LEH-oh [verb] )
Philia refers to brotherly love, affectionate love, or friendship. It denotes a warm, mutual, personal connection between close friends or comrades. Philia is driven more by feelings and emotional attachment, symbolizing camaraderie and affectionate regard. In the New Testament, it is often translated as “brotherly love” and appears in passages that emphasize close-knit Christian fellowship and friendship. - Eros (Phonetic pronunciation: EH-ros)
Eros is the Greek word for romantic, passionate, or sexual love. This word is common in classical Greek but interestingly, it does not appear in the New Testament texts. However, the concept of romantic love is included in biblical teachings and passages that talk about marriage and intimacy. - Storge (Phonetic pronunciation: stor-YEH)
Storge refers to familial love—the natural affection between parents, children, and family members. While this word is not found explicitly in the New Testament, its concept is evident. The opposite or lack of storge is mentioned in a few places to describe a lack of natural affection or being unloving.
So, in the New Testament, agape love refers to a way of treating people which was defined by Jesus himself. It means to seek the well-being of others regardless of their response. Learn more by viewing the following video…
The “mutual servanthood” dimension (Agape) can also be seen in the short story “Gift of the Magi,” written in 1905 by O. Henry. Read a modern translation of the story by clicking below…
In the Christian New Testament, agape primarily describes God’s love for humanity—a love that is faithful, benevolent, and sacrificial. This love is demonstrated supremely in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, symbolizing a love that saves and restores without expecting anything in return. The Bible states, “God is love” (1 John 4:8), underscoring that love is intrinsic to God’s nature and all His actions flow from this love.
Agape love also extends to how humans are to love God and each other, emphasizing a love that is chosen and active, going beyond feelings to embody goodwill and grace even towards those who may be difficult to love or cannot reciprocate. It is described as a love that “does not seek to control or manipulate,” is not possessive or jealous, and is focused on the true wellbeing and good of others without conditions or expectations.
The New Testament references agape love more than 100 times and highlights it especially in 1 Corinthians 13, often called the “love chapter,” which describes its qualities: patience, kindness, not envying, boasting, or being proud, and enduring through all things.
In summary, agape love is a selfless, unconditional, sacrificial, and enduring love—regarded as the highest and purest form of love in Christian theology and ethics, exemplified by God’s love for humanity and commanded as the standard by which humans should love God and others.
Portions of the above were excerpted from The Bible Project.
