Christian Marriage
For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. 1 Thessalonians 4:9
Love is such a broad word that we use in many ways. “I love chocolate cake,” and “I love my spouse,” are clearly talking about different types of love. You mighthave heard that the Greek language has four different words describing love.
PHILEO is the love and affection between friends, when you enjoy someone’s company and trust them enough to confide in them and seek their advice. Paul urges the older women to admonish the younger women, among other things, “to love their husbands, to love their children.” (Titus 2:4) Those are both compound words with Phileo. Any marriage and family will be more vibrant when you consider your spouse to be your best friend.
STORGE is an even stronger affection among family members, especially between parents and children. It describes a closeness, an emotional connection. What a blessing to a marriage to always have that wonderful feeling of being in love.
EROS is the sensual, passionate love of physical touch and sexual intimacy. This word is not found in the Bible, but can be properly understood in the context of marriage. The world has certainly made a multitude of sins connected to it, but God has created sex specifically for enjoyment and intimacy in marriage.
All three of these enhance marriage in many ways and make it a truly beautiful and intimate relationship. However, because of our ever present selfish motives, they are not a reliable foundation for marriage. When selfish desires are no longer met, people think they “fall out of love.”
Our verse above is not talking about marriage, but even married couples need to be taught by God how to love each other. Paul is speaking about the fourth and highest form of love – AGAPE. That love does not come naturally. It only comes from God. This Love makes a solid foundation for our marriage. (More on that tomorrow.)
Lord, teach us your love and fill us with Your blessings. Amen