> General Discussions
Love One Another
JohnMichael:
An interesting note about this that I caught today. None of those verses use phileo; not one of them. They all use agapao. It definitely puts those verses, for me, in a whole new light. We are to love one another EVEN IF those around us don't reciprocate, EVEN IF they spit in our faces, EVEN IF they are backbiting you and smiling in your face, etc.
I wouldn't be able to do that on my own. I would very much need His influence.
Here's what Ray said about agapao v. phileo in his Bible Study "Love." (http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,3719.0.html)
-------------------------------------------
So now I can see some better distinctions. It, agape - is a complex emotion, arousing appreciation or delight in and desire for the presence of it’s object; as well as to please and promote it’s welfare.
Now here is the word phileo. We understand the word Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia - it means to be fond of, responsive, affection based on approval and regard.
That’s a little complicated, basically it’s this. God of love -agape, is a one-way street, God loves, He gives. It’s not based on whether the ones He gives it to, loves Him back. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, right. Why? Because He loves us, “for God so loved the world.” That includes all these drug dealing, wife beating, God defying people. He so loved the world, did they love Him back? No, very few people love God back. It’s a one-way street... He loves. He’s the One that loves, not getting anything back for it, He loves.
But phileo love, is where two people are fond of each other and they’re responsive to each other. It has to do with affections, based on the approval of the one you’re giving out to, you see. Why are people friends? Because they reciprocate, right.
------------------------------------------------
DougE6:
When God encounters us deeply from His Love side, it is positively instant melt of the hardest heart. I do not believe anyone could withstand His Love if he revealed it fully. maybe that is why Moses could not see His glory face to face, in this mortal state. When He encounters you from His judgement side, it is instant fear to obey. At least that has been my experience. If God pours out His agape Love believe me, it is full of feeling. It is a better motivator for me to follow Him than anything else.
My point is, when you love your enemies, or just your relatives when they are jerks ;D and obey Gods command to love in spite of feelings, God sheds forth His agape Love in YOUR HEART! Then you have LOTS of motivation to continue loving the unlovable! And somehow, you begin to associate loving those difficult people with Gods agape Love, and guess what, it isn't as hard to do it. Suddenly you become more patient, more understanding, more willing to give, and more able to put aside the self. It all depends on how much of Gods agape love He has shed forth in your heart, that you can then extend to others. Agape Love is very powerful, when it comes from God.
indianabob:
John,
I appreciate all of the comments.
I especially liked your as I apply it to myself.
Thanks, Indiana Bob
--- Quote from: JohnMichael on August 15, 2011, 07:20:16 AM ---An interesting note about this that I caught today. None of those verses use phileo; not one of them. They all use agapao. It definitely puts those verses, for me, in a whole new light. We are to love one another EVEN IF those around us don't reciprocate, EVEN IF they spit in our faces, EVEN IF they are backbiting you and smiling in your face, etc.
I wouldn't be able to do that on my own. I would very much need His influence.
Here's what Ray said about agapao v. phileo in his Bible Study "Love." (http://forums.bible-truths.com/index.php/topic,3719.0.html)
-------------------------------------------
So now I can see some better distinctions. It, agape - is a complex emotion, arousing appreciation or delight in and desire for the presence of it’s object; as well as to please and promote it’s welfare.
Now here is the word phileo. We understand the word Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, Philadelphia - it means to be fond of, responsive, affection based on approval and regard.
That’s a little complicated, basically it’s this. God of love -agape, is a one-way street, God loves, He gives. It’s not based on whether the ones He gives it to, loves Him back. While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, right. Why? Because He loves us, “for God so loved the world.” That includes all these drug dealing, wife beating, God defying people. He so loved the world, did they love Him back? No, very few people love God back. It’s a one-way street... He loves. He’s the One that loves, not getting anything back for it, He loves.
But phileo love, is where two people are fond of each other and they’re responsive to each other. It has to do with affections, based on the approval of the one you’re giving out to, you see. Why are people friends? Because they reciprocate, right.
------------------------------------------------
--- End quote ---
Linny:
I think it is easier to love people we feel a kinship to. I think before BT, I had a more difficult time loving anyone who didn't fit into my mold. Now I feel more loving towards everyone and less in competition with those who wouldn't agree with me or whom I disagree with.
I also think love is not a feeling but an action. I think the love God wants us to show the world is doing our best to help, love, comfort, feed, clothe, shelter, etc. all of God's children.
This is where I think us humans fail the most.
We tend to get too comfortable with our own lives that we don't "see" the hurting, needy people all around us. Or we are too caught up in our own messes to have the time or inclination to help anyone else.
And the church has done a fantastic job making sure that the pew sitters aren't doing much as they are required to give to the church and the church is supposed to do the helping. Problem is, they don't do it either. Too busy making cozy the pew sitters and pastors.
New Orleans has just finished fixing their superdome. They still have homeless/displaced people from the hurricane, but their superdome is spectacular. :-\
River:
Lenny wrote :" I think it is easier to love people we feel a kinship to. I think before BT, I had a more difficult time loving anyone who didn't fit into my mold. Now I feel more loving towards everyone and less in competition with those who wouldn't agree with me or whom I disagree with."
I totally agree! It has been life changing. Thanks for sharing that Lenny.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version