May 29, 2018 (Tuesday)
“I don’t love you anymore.” Painful, piercing, agonizing words from a wife or husband. Suddenly, without preparation, the object of this stabbing declaration feels deserted, alone and without hope.
What is “love,” anyway? In my early studies my professor told me there are two kinds of love in the Greek language: “Philia” and “Agape.” “Philia” love is friendship love, love giving and receiving. “Agape” love is charity, giving, but not receiving. He also whispered to us about “Eros” love.
Then came the sexual revolution, and the professor spoke more plainly about a third type of love: “eros.” “Eros” is physical love, sexual love if you please. It had been spoken of only by marriage counselors behind closed doors, but suddenly it was present everywhere.
All three types of love are important and necessary in our lives. But C.S. Lewis, in his book, “The Four Loves,” adds “Storge” love: affection. It is what we feel for our buddies in foxholes, our team out on the field, our old school. It is with us every day in many ways.
I’ve adjusted to the idea of four loves, but today I read the news that the Greeks had words for eight types of love: “Agape, Philia, Eros, Storge, to which were added “Ludus,” playful love (puppy love), “Mania,” obsessive love, “Pragma,” a unique harmony that forms over time, and “Philautia,” healthy self love, being comfortable with oneself. Click here to read the article about the eight types of love.
“Agape love” is the best and highest because it is God’s love for us that sent His only Son to give Himself on the Cross for our salvation.
