Love Matters in the Kingdom

Love matters in the Kingdom

Love in the Kingdom is not based on feelings. Love in the Kingdom is based on action that comes from a decision.

5 main Greek words for love….

Epithumia – Passion, desire, LUST –

Philippians 1:23 – I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;

Eros – (not in the Bible)  Sexual love

Storge – used for family love, also love for a tyrant.(outside of the Bible) Love that rewards ?

Only in the Bible 2x as a compound word e.g. Romans 12:10 philostorgos “Kindly affectionate”

Phileo – based on friendship; emotional love

John 16:27 (NIV) No, the Father himself loves [phileo] you because you have loved [phileo] me and have believed that I came from God.

AGAPEO –  The only form of love that has nothing to do with emotions. It is based on an action that comes from a decision.

1 John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love [agapao] with words or speech but with actions and in truth.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love [agapao] for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

1 John 4:19 We love [agapao] because he first loved [agapao] us.

John 3:16  For God so loved [agapao] the world that he gave…

Love in the Kingdom is not based on feelings. Love in the Kingdom is based on action that comes from a decision.

Differences make sense….

1 Thessalonians 4:9  Now about your love [phileo] for one another we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love [agapao] each other.

1 Peter 1:22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other [philadelphía], love [agapao] one another deeply, from the heart.

Romans 12:9-10 Love [agapao] must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love [phileo]. Honor one another above yourselves.

Why important?

Angry at God because, “I have to love that abuser?”. Give up on marriage because, “I don’t feel like I love her anymore.”

You don’t have to feel love to show love.

Love matters in the Kingdom!