Of the five ways of showing love, last time we looked at two and this will be will look at two more.

We learned that epithumia connotes a strong desire of any kind – sometimes good sometimes bad. It means to set the heart on; long for rightly or otherwise:  or it can mean to covet. When used in a positive way it is translated desire. Desire can be experienced in marriage and between family members and friends. Desire does not always express sexual motives.

Eros connotes the love that more than any other kind, carries with it the idea of romance. Eros is not always sensual, but it includes the idea of yearning to unite with and the desire to possess the beloved. Eros is romantic, passionate and sentimental. It is often the starting point of many marriages.

The third level of love is characterized by the Greek word storge. Storge, as a feeling, could be described as a comfortable old shoe type of relationship. Storge is comprised of natural affection and a sense of belonging to someone. This level of love, referred to several times in the New Testament, is the level of love shared by parents to their children and brothers and sisters

Storge love in marriage meets the need husbands and wives have to belong to another, to be a part of a close knit circle where people care and give the utmost loyalty to each other. When the world shows itself as a cold hard place, storge offers emotional refuge – like comfort food.

Phileo has an interesting twist.

Phileo cherishes and has tender affection for the beloved – a spouse of any other close relationship. BUT phileo always expects a positive response in return.

It is a love of relationship, comradeship sharing, communication and friendship. Commonly expressed:  You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. And this is not a bad thing unless one is always scratching and never is scratched in return.

Phileo makes dear friends in every level of life who enjoy closeness and companionship.

Next time:  Fifth of the Five Ways of Loving