Celebrate Love
The heart-shaped balloons and prettily wrapped red and pink gifts in store windows shout out that what the world celebrates as a “day of love” is just round the corner. It’s Valentine’s Day and love is all around us.
But what is love, really? Is it defined by the gifts one gets from their valentine or is there something more to it?
The Bible uses 4 distinct Greek words for love: Eros, Philia, Storge, and Agape – and they are not all about romance. While we can drone on and on about the technical side of what these words mean, we hope that these “mini bites” below give a glimpse of what love can look like this Valentine’s Day.
From Routine to Romance – Rohan and Ruhanna
Rohan and Ruhanaa had been passionately in love, but 10 years of marriage and kids had taken its toll. With work, kids, and a tight schedule, their relationship started to feel routine. So, they had an idea! Instead of letting their love fade, they committed to spending time together and making every day count. They scheduled “date nights”, where they set aside time to just be with each other. They took walks along the beach, holding hands. They went on fun hikes together and they even tried new workshops like baking and painting. Their intentional efforts rekindled their passion.
Eros, is not just about the first “heat” of passion or a sexual experience that’s exhilarating. It is about loving your spouse deeply and passionately with every part of your being.
A Verse to Think About: “Marriage should be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral”
Hebrews 13:4
What’s a BFF for – Sarah and Samaira
After a painful divorce, Sarah found herself feeling alone and defeated. Her best friend, Samaira, stood by her side regularly reminding her of her worth, praying with her through the hardest nights, and running errands to help her get back on her feet. Over time, with the unwavering love of a friend who never gave up on her, Sarah found the strength to heal.
Philia love is what Samaira’s steadfast support reflected —a true friendship that stands firm in life’s most difficult storms.
A Verse to Think About:“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity”
Proverbs 17:17
Love Inspite of Family Ties – Sushanth and Rita
Sushant and his elderly mother, Rita, had a strained relationship for years. Their conversations often ended in frustration, and their differences seemed irreconcilable. But when Rita was diagnosed with a serious illness, Sushanth did not hesitate. He moved into her home, cooked her meals, and sat by her bedside every night, holding her hand and reading her favourite Psalms to her. As days turned into months, old wounds healed, and love replaced past grievances. Sushanth’s tireless care reflected unconditional, enduring love.
Storge love is all about the ‘family’ kind of love that parents and children share. While it may be easy for some, it’s sometimes difficult when your family is not how you may want them to be – But guess what!? God calls us His “family”.
A Verse to Think About:“Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves”
Romans 12:10
Unconditional Love – Sujay and Roy
Sujay grew up in a broken home, often feeling unseen and unloved. After experiencing God’s love in his own life, he made it his mission to serve others who felt abandoned. Every weekend, he volunteers at a homeless shelter, where he not only serves meals, but sits with people and listens to their stories. He spends time praying with them. He once met an elderly man, Roy, who was estranged from his family and was living on the streets. Sujay not only provided him with food and shelter but also took the initiative, made the time, and bore all the costs to help him locate, and reconnect with his long-lost daughter. He expected nothing in return but gave out of genuine compassion, demonstrating Agape love— love that mirrors God’s own heart, reaching beyond barriers and transforming lives.
Agape is the highest and purest form of love. It is selfless, and unconditional, and does not expect anything in return -it is the kind of love that Jesus showed us on the cross.
A Verse to Think About:“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us”
Romans 5:8
When we understand these different types of love, it helps us appreciate the many ways God has designed us to experience and share love. So, this Valentine’s Day we want to encourage you to look around you and love the people in your life. This could be your partner, a friend, a colleague, a family member or even a stranger. Love because He (God) first loved us. May we reflect God’s love to the world—not just on Valentine’s Day, but every day of our lives.
Contributed by : Jonathan Philemon Philip
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