#public #HolySpirit #topics #fruitoftheSpirit # Love > "To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable." [[CS Lewis]] Galatians 5:22–23 (ESV): > “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” **Definition**: Unselfish, sacrificial, and unconditional affection for others. **Explanation**: This is not based on feelings but on a decision to seek the highest good of others. It’s the foundation of all other fruit and reflects God’s character (1 John 4:8). **💗 The Four Greek Words for Love** 1. Agápē (ἀγάπη)- Selfless, Unconditional Love - **Definition**: Divine, sacrificial love that seeks the best for others regardless of their worthiness. - **Biblical Use**: This is the primary word used in the New Testament for God’s love (e.g., John 3:16; Romans 5:8). It’s the love described in 1 Corinthians 13. - **Example**: “But God shows his love (agápē) for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” —Romans 5:8 2.  Phílos (φίλος)- Friendship or Brotherly Love - **Definition**: Warm affection and friendship shared between equals. - **Biblical Use**: Used to describe love among friends or siblings in the faith. It’s the root of Philadelphia (brotherly love). - **Example**: “Lazarus, our friend (phílos), has fallen asleep…” —John 11:11 3. Storgē (στοργή)- Family Love - **Definition**: Natural affection—especially between parents and children or among family members. - **Biblical Use**: Rare in the New Testament. Appears in compound form in Romans 12:10 (philostorgos, meaning “devoted”). - **Example**: “Be devoted (philostorgos) to one another in brotherly love.” —Romans 12:10 4. Éros (ἔρως)- Romantic or Passionate Love - **Definition**: Desire, sensual or sexual love, often focused on physical attraction. - **Biblical Use**: Not directly used in the New Testament. However, the concept is addressed in places like Song of Songs and 1 Corinthians 7. **Summary Table** | | | | | | ---------- | ------------------------ | ---------------------- | -------------------- | | Greek Word | Type of Love | Example Use | NT Usage | | Agápē | Unconditional, Divine | God’s love for sinners | Very Common | | Phílos | Friendship | Jesus and Lazarus | Common | | Storgē | Family/Natural Affection | Parental/Family love | Rare (compound form) | | Éros | Romantic/Physical | Marital passion | Not used explicitly |