PART 1, VALENTINE LOVE

In February, the calendar moves us to love. There are three types of love: Eros—sexual love or desire, Agape—“The attitude of God toward His Son, the human race, generally, and to such as believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,” and Phileo—tender affection (Vine’s Greek Dictionary, Volume 3, p. 20,).

All three types might be involved on Valentine’s Day. However, the root and true genuine love ONLY comes when we are equipped with Agape love, a heart surrendered to Jesus Christ. Tender affection and Godly sexual desire is included in Agape love.

Choosing our attitude or type of love is a very important choice. Unfortunately, Eros love is exemplified mostly in our worldly culture today. Matthew 24:12 speaks to this sin: “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

The decision to live contrary to the Word of God has consequences. This is what Jesus told the church of Laodicea: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth (Revelations 3:15-16).”

We have another warning in 2 Timothy 3:1-5: “There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power.”

We must stay nourished in God’s love, expressed in Jesus Christ and empowered in us by the Holy Spirit: “No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us” (1 John 4:7-12).

How would you describe your type of love? Elaine
Email: elaine@armoroflove.com