Empowering The Christian Home - Love

Text: Rom 12:9-10

A. Fleshly Love.

1. “érōs” – love, mostly of the sexual passion.

2. Describes the love between opposite genders.

3. A relationship usually starts off with physical attraction between a man and a woman – “love at first sight”.

4. Husband and wife should continue to have “érōs” love for each other throughout their marriage – e.g. Isaac and Rebekah (Gen 26:8).

5. In fact, your spouse should be your greatest desire.

B. Friendly Love.

1. “phileō” – to treat affectionately or kindly, to welcome, befriend.

2. Describes the love between close friends.

3. The relationship progresses from physical attraction to social association between a man and a woman (Rom 12:10).

4. Husband and wife should continue to have “phileō” love for each other throughout their marriage – e.g. Aquila and Priscilla (Act 18:2-3).

5. In fact, your spouse should be your best friend.

C. Familial Love.

1. “storgē” – cherishing one’s kindred.

2. Describes the love between family members.

3. The relationship progresses from social association to emotional attachment between a man and a woman (Rom 12:10).

4. Husband and wife should continue to have “storgē” love for each other throughout their marriage – e.g. Abraham and Sarah (Gen 23:2).

5. In fact, your spouse should be your closest family member.

D. Faithful Love.

1. “agapaō” – to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly.

2. Describes the love between God and man.

3. The relationship progresses from emotional attachment to mental affirmation between a man and a woman (Rom 12:9).

4. Husband and wife should continue to have “agapaō” love for each other throughout their marriage – Jacob and Rachel (Gen 33:1-3).

5. In fact, your spouse should be your dearest companion.