Enduring Love

FOUR KINDS OF LOVE

PHILIA = FRIENDSHIP LOVE.

Friendship / Brotherly Love

Definition: Affectionate love between friends; warm companionship marked by mutual respect, enjoyment, and trust.

John 15:13 NKJV
“Greater love (phílos) has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.”

STORGĒ = FAMILY/AFFECTION LOVE.
like the love parents feel for children, or among family members.

Romans 12:10 NKJV
“Be devoted to one another in brotherly love”

EROS = ROMANTIC/PHYSICAL LOVE.

– Key Trait: Romantic, passionate, and intimate love.

AGÁPĒ

–

UNCONDITIONAL, DIVINE LOVE
Definition: The highest form of love; selfless, sacrificial, unconditional. It seeks the good of others without expecting anything in return.

John 3:16 NKJV

“For God so loved (agapē) the world…”

Key Trait: God’s love toward humanity, and the love He calls us to show others. This Agape love doesn’t just the other kinds of love it empowers them. It brings them to their full potential

1. THIS LOVE IS IN US

Romans 5:5 NKJV
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

1 Corinthians 13:4–8, AMP
Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. 5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love God’s love in us does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. 6 It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. 7 Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].
8 Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy (the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].

1 Corinthians 13:6-7 NKJV

does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

2. BEARS ALL THINGS

Greek Meaning: To cover, to protect, to conceal, to endure silently.

Word picture: Like a roof that shields from storms.

Sense: Love covers over faults, protects others, and carries burdens without complaint.

3. BELIEVES ALL THINGS

Greek: To have faith in, to trust, to place confidence in, to rely on.

Sense: Love gives the benefit of the doubt, choosing trust over suspicion. It is not gullibility, but a posture of faith in God and in others.

4. HOPES ALL THINGS

Greek Meaning: To look forward with confidence, to expect with trust, to wait for salvation with joy.

Love looks beyond present struggles, anticipating God’s redemption and the best in others.

5. ENDURES ALL THINGS
Greek Meaning: To remain, to persevere, to stand firm under pressure, to hold one’s ground.

HOMEWORK

– MAKE LOVE YOUR AIM

1 Corinthians 14:1 AMPC
Eagerly pursue and seek to acquire [this] love [make it your aim, your great quest]…”

– CHECK YOUR LOVE WALK DAILY

Ask yourself:
– Am I holding anything against anyone?
– Am I treating others the way I want to be treated?

If the answer was “yes” to offense or bitterness, “Fix it

– GUARD AGAINST STRIFE

James 3:16 – “For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.” strife is one of Satan’s main tools to neutralize faith. Solution: Be quick to apologize, keep peace in the home, and refuse to argue.

– SPEAK LOVE WORDS

Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying…”

Your words either minister love or poison. Speaking harsh, critical, or bitter words damages your love walk.

Practical step: Train your mouth to build others up, not tear them down. “When in doubt, act in love. You’ll never miss it by walking in love.”

– CONFESS DAILY: “The love of God is in me. I choose to let that love dominate me today.” The Spirit empowers you to love beyond natural ability.