We seem to “love” a lot of things in our society, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s certainly
better than hate. But at the same time, it can water down the word “love.” My love for
my spouse certainly isn’t the same as my love for cookies!
The Greek New Testament, from which our English translations derive, used 4 separate
words which are translated to “love”.
Philia, a “brotherly love”, which would describe deep friendships
Eros, a “romantic love”, like you would have for your spouse
Storge, a “family love”, most frequently used between parents and children, and
Agape, a “godly love”, the love God has for us and that we should have for God
Notably absent from the Greek bible is “liking a lot”, as in my cookies.
Anyway, the point of this language lesson is that the entire reason we have a Christmas
season is because of love. Not some trite love, as in my cookies, or even a romantic,
familial, or brotherly love (though I do hope you get to spend some time near Christmas
with those you love this way). In the most frequently quoted verse in the bible, (John
3:16), the author says “For God so loved (agape) the world that he gave his only Son,
so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” and
later in that same book (John 15:12-13) Jesus says “This is my commandment, that you
love (agape) one another as I have loved (agape) you. No one has greater
love (agape) than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (NRSV)
Jesus was sent to Earth because God loves us. And Jesus demonstrated God’s love for
us throughout his life, even into his death.
So this Christmas season, go show love to everyone, especially those you may not
think deserve it. God’s love is bigger than you realize, bigger than you can even
imagine!
And if you love cookies, go have one or two of those also.
God of Love, thank you for the love you show us through Jesus Christ. Thank you for
the love of brother and sister. And love of our neighbor. And for cookies. Amen.
Written by Kyle Hutson, Westmoreland UMC