What is love?

Verses for study: John 21:15-17, Matthew 5:43-48

The term "love" is used hundreds of times each day. We all love our friends, our family, our favorite TV show, even pizza. It seems so easy for us to "love" these things. But the Bible tells us that we are to love each other including our enemies. How can we love someone whom we don't even like?

The New Testament uses four different greek words that are translated "love" in english. They are Storge which is the affection one has for their family, Phileo (philia) which is the affection one feels for their friends, Eros which is romantic love, and the last is Agape which is the unconditional love God has for us. The first three loves are based on feelings. The last term is based on the act of being loving regardless of whether one deserves it or not. True love is an action and not a feeling. If we truly love someone we are to do kind things for them. Even when someone is unkind to us we are to be kind to them.

Prayer: Dear Lord Thank you for your unconditional love for me. Please help me to love others the way you love me, with actions and not just feelings. In Jesus name, Amen.