Page 47 - Discipleship Ministries Student E-Book

Storge: It is a term for love in the Bible that you may not be familiar with. This Greek word describes
family love, the affectionate bond that develops naturally between parents and children, and brothers
and sisters.

Many examples of family love are found in Scripture, such as the mutual protection among Noah and his
wife, the love of Jacob for his sons, and the strong love the sisters Martha and Mary had for their
brother Lazarus. An interesting compound word using storge, "philostorgos," is found in Romans 12:10,
which commands believers to "be devoted" to one another with brotherly affection.

Christians are members of God's family. Our lives are knit together by something stronger than physical
ties—the bonds of the Spirit. We are related by something more powerful than human blood—the
blood of Jesus Christ. God calls his children to love each other with the deep affection of storge love.

Agape: This is a special term which represents the divine love of the Father towards His Son, Jesus
Christ and the love which we experience as God’s created beings. This love is a willingness to sacrificially
serve another person. It is not based upon warm feelings toward someone. It is a choice.

Agape is the highest of the four types of love in the Bible. This term defines God's immeasurable,
incomparable love for humankind. It is the divine love that comes from God. Agape love is
perfect, unconditional, sacrificial, and pure.

Jesus Christ demonstrated this kind of divine love to his Father and to all humanity in the way he lived
and died: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not
perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

The concept of agape or self-sacrificial love that unites believers is unique to Christianity. Jesus said
agape would be an identifier of his followers: "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if
you love (agapen) one another." (John 13:35, NIV)

Using Love in the Bible – Agape and Phileo

Following his resurrection, Jesus asked the apostle Peter if he loved him (agape). Here was his
conversation with Peter:

John 21: 15 - 17

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love (agape) me
more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love (phileo) you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love (agape) me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that
I love (phileo) you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love (phileo) me?” Peter was hurt because
Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love (phileo) me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know
that I love (phileo) you. Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.

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