Classical greek on the other hand has 4 words for love

Classical greek on the other hand has 4 words for love

Storge – familial love Philia – friendship love Eros – romantic love Agape – unconditional “God” love (principled love)

Lets have a look at each and then see how we can apply the information in our marriage

Storge – familial love

This is the feeling that we have for those who are biologically related to us, our family

It is the first love most people experience

Parents and siblings > extended family > tribe > nation

(a nation must be united in biological bonds, common ancestry)

Philia – friendship love

This is the bond that unites good friends and can be just as strong as Storge, to the point that we may call our friends “brothers”

This is the second type of love that most people experience

You must personally know someone to experience Philia love

Eros – romantic love

Eros is Passion and Desire which speaks to our deepest biological drives to reproduce and is a good force, even if some misuse it

This is the third type of love that most people experience

Generally it is focused on s specific person

Agape – principled love

This is a love of God and Divine principles, Truth and Righteousness

This is the “love of neighbour” that is mentioned in the bible, and is displayed by doing what is right and honorable even when it is difficult

Most people struggle with this love

A healthy marriage has all 4 forms of love

Storge – familial love - our spouse is now our family Philia – friendship love - they are now our best friend Eros – romantic love - they are our focus for sexual desire Agape – principled love - we must behave honourably towards them

The english word for love is a clumsy tool when describing how we should be loving

Understanding the classical Greek, which heavily influenced western thought and philosophy helps us to have a deeper understanding of love

Dm me if you want help building love in your marriage