In English, we use the word love for just about everything. We love pizza, our favorite TV shows, and our families—all with the same word. But Scripture gives us a deeper, more specific understanding of love by using four distinct Greek words:
- Eros – Romantic love, reserved for the covenant of marriage. Paul speaks of this in 1 Corinthians 7:8-9, emphasizing its importance within marriage.
- Storge – Familial love, the affection shared between parents and children or close relatives. This type of love is seen in the devotion (philostorgos) commanded in Romans 12:10.
- Philia – Brotherly love, the bond shared between close friends and the larger Christian community. Jesus said this kind of love would be the hallmark of His followers:”By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another” (John 13:35).
- Agape – The highest form of love. Unconditional, sacrificial, and selfless, agape love mirrors God’s love for us. It’s the love Jesus demonstrated when He gave His life for us.
(Actually there are more than four Greek words for “love,” but usually it is these four that come up in discussions.)
Agape Love: The Highest Calling
Agape love goes beyond feelings or convenience. It’s not just an emotion—it’s an action. It’s the love that carried Jesus to the cross, and it’s the love we are called to show to others.
A powerful example of this love can be seen in Peter’s transformation. After Jesus’ resurrection, He asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Peter responded each time with a philia type of love—brotherly affection—because he had not yet been filled with the Holy Spirit.
But after Pentecost, everything changed. Peter was so filled with God’s agape love that he preached the sermon of a lifetime, ushering in the early church and leading 3,000 people to salvation.
That’s the power of agape love: it transforms and empowers us to live out the love of Christ.
Living Out Agape Love
Here’s the challenge: We are called to love everyone with agape love. Not just those who are easy to love, but also those who might challenge us, frustrate us, or see the world differently.
Imagine this scenario:
You’ve just moved into a new neighborhood. Your neighbor shows up at your door with a plate of cookies to welcome you. Over time, you become friends, but then a disagreement arises over a topic you care deeply about.
How do you respond?
Agape love says: I choose to love you anyway. It looks past differences to see the person God created and values. It seeks to listen, understand, and reflect the unconditional love of Christ.
A New Kind of Movement
What if we started a movement rooted in this kind of love?
Not a shallow, feel-good love, but a movement that reflects the sacrificial, transformative love of Jesus. A love that chooses to build relationships rather than walls. A love that points others to the hope and certainty we have in Christ.
The Challenge
As believers, we have the opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that desperately needs to experience His love. Agape love isn’t always easy—it requires humility, grace, and intentionality. But it’s the kind of love that changes hearts and transforms lives.
Let’s commit to showing this love to everyone around us. Whether it’s a neighbor, a coworker, or someone who doesn’t see eye-to-eye with us, let’s love them as Christ has loved us.
Lucas Leibforth 
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