It is important to distinguish
Christian love (Agape) from lust love (Eros) and friendship or family love
(Philos) before explaining Christian Love.
The attraction between a woman and a
man based on feelings (Eros) is not true love. See the story of Ammon and Tamar
in 2 Samuel 13. After Ammon had his way forcefully with Tamar based on what he
called “love” the bible says in 2 Samuel 13: 15, “Then Amnon became extremely
hateful toward her, for his hatred toward her was greater than the love which
he had for her. And Amnon said to her, “Get up and get out!”” He only responded
to a feeling, he never loved her. Many people’s lives have been destroyed today
because of this pseudo-love.
Our text today recognized a kind of
love stronger than the “love” between a woman and a man. David said that the
love Jonathan had for him was more than the love of women. Here, David was
actually describing a love that occurs between two committed friends or people
from the same family (Philos). However, examining the love that existed between
Jonathan and David revealed that it was more than “Philos.” 1 Samuel 18:1 says,
“When David had finished speaking to Saul, the soul of Jonathan was bonded to
the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him as himself.” One of the
characteristics of Christian Love (Agape) is loving your neighbor as yourself.
This was why Jonathan went on to protect David despite the fact that he knew
that David would take the throne according to God’s plan.
May you find yourself in the midst of
true love as a giver and as a receiver in Jesus name.
Prayer
for today: Lord plant your true love in my heart towards my neighbors and
plant your true love in my neighbors towards me in Jesus name.
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