As we hear in one of the Beatles’ songs, “All we need is love, love, love …” As humans, from the moment we are conceived in the womb, we need to feel love and affection, shown to us in both words and action throughout our life.
There are as many different kinds of love as there are people. This is because we love each other differently from anyone else. Sometimes, it can be difficult to define. This one, all-encompassing term can be expressed and interpreted in many ways. So, how do you interpret it?
Love is the strongest human emotion. Love can be described as strong affection, tenderness, or devotion, usually towards a person or object. It is helpful to know the difference.
We all use the term from time to time. But have you ever considered what kind of love you are referring to when conveying the sentiment? Depending on how we express it, to some, it may be awkward to hear and might make someone feel uncomfortable. However, others may think it is a wonderful way of expressing your feelings.
We desire love, appreciation, and care. Phycologists refer to 7 or 8 different types of love. Much has to do with how we were raised as children or the culture we grew up in. Just like there are different words to express love, there are also a variety of ways to show it to others.
Love is mentioned many times throughout the Bible with one of the most endearing passage verses, taken from 1 Corinthians 13 “And now these three remain faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love (Agape).
The four types found in the Bible are Greek: Agape, Storge, Philia, and Eros.
Agape (Uh-GAH-pay):is the love of all humans; charitable; it is the highest form. The Agape form is the love given whether or not it is returned. It is God’s spiritual love toward humankind. It is the form of love shown in forgiveness. It is a selfless form, in the sense of being kind and loving.
Storge (STOR-jay):is parents’ love for children. This is considered exclusive to family relationships between parents, children, and siblings. We are all called to love one another with affection.
Philia (FILL-ee-uh)):is the love of friends and equals; sometimes referred to as “brotherly/sisterly love” as in the city of Philadelphia. It is a loving relationship between good friends, regardless of their gender. We might often say we “love” our friends, but it can take on an entirely different meaning, such as how we would cherish a romantic partner. For example, a wife is in love with her husband but loves her children.
Eros (AIR-ohs)): iserotic, passionate love. It refers to romantic love and physical attraction. The Old Testament contains no direct mention of the Greek word Eros because it was written in Hebrew. But the Bible references its meaning, especially in the book known as Song of Solomon, or Song of Songs. But Plato contended that “Eros can become an appreciation for beauty within that person, or even an appreciation for beauty itself in an ideal sense. A platonic expression of love.
Well, it all comes down to this, what we need more than ever is, as Hal David lyricized in Burt Bacharach’s popular song, “What the World Needs Now is Love, Sweet Love…”