STUFF ABOUT GOD AND CHRISTIANITY | by Dr. Ron Braley
This column represents the thoughts and opinions of Dr.
Ron Braley. This is not the opinion of the Taylor Press.
“Love is love.” The battle cry implied that any gratifying feeling could qualify as love.
How can the same word reference both good and bad emotions or behaviors?
Our English language limits how we express feelings and actions, including love. We use that single word to reference emotions, lust and charity.
However, the Bible uses different words for each to ensure we understand what’s really happening when we encounter ‘love:’
Lust (usually sensual) – Greek epithumia represents a firm intention to have something. Jesus said that someone who lusts after another’s spouse sins (Matthew 5:2728). Conversely, the Bible states that we should lust after the things of God.
Fondness (emotional love) – Related Greek words begin with ‘phil’ and represent a fondness for something.
For instance, ‘philadelphia’ is a fondness for brothers and sisters in Christ (Hebrews 13:1). Fondness for money is ‘philaguria’ (Hebrews 13:5).
Lust and fondness are emotion driven and, therefore, come and go. You may like me now, but hate me tomorrow— especially if my articles contradict your beliefs. Neither emotion-based lust nor fondness is the unconditional love God has shown or that we must have for each other.
Unconditional, real love (selfless, sacrificial) – This love doesn’t come and go with an emotional or sexual wind. It’s doing the right thing for the right reason despite feelings. Greek noun agape is this love that God has for all creation, and the verb agapao is love in action. God is love (agape); God loves as we should (agapao). Let’s dig a bit deeper into this love.
God hasn’t always been happy with humanity but still loved (and loves) us so much that he gave his son, the one we call Jesus, as an ultimate covenantal sacrifice to bring us back to him. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) God then raised Him from the dead to assure His children that they too will be raised at the end of this world. Similarly, we do real, unconditional love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19).
We must honor God with all we are and have and be charitable with time, treasures and talents: “… ‘You shall love the lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22:37-39).
Check out Matthew 25:3146, and you’ll find that true, actionable love includes charity (feeding, housing, clothing, etc.).
Summary
Love can be a strong intent to have (often sexual lust), an emotion, or an unconditional loving action. What’s next?
Let’s explore biblical perfection. In the meantime, love as God loves instead of chasing lusts and emotions. Email [email protected] if you have questions or comments.
Blessings and peace, Dr. Ron Braley, MDiv, DMin.
