In honor of Valentine’s Day, a lesson in love

With Valentine’s Day approaching, I find my thoughts drawn to

“love” -- for God, family, friends and my fellow man.

The spectrum of love we feel for God and people varies. There are

a few different types of love expressed in the Bible.

The greatest love in creation is God’s love. The word for this

love in Greek is agape love. Agape is used in the New Testament to

describe God’s love toward his son, the human race, and those who

believe in Jesus Christ.

John 3:16 powerfully portrays the picture of this love, “For God

so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever

believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (Holy Bible,

New International Version).

This is not a love of affection, drawn out by any quality in its

objects. It is a work of divine will in intentional choice, made

without conveyable reason except that it dwells in the nature of God

himself.

As parents, I believe we can best relate to this in our devotion

to our children. Bless them this holiday, expressing affection in

written word within a special card they can put in a keepsake box and

keep for a lifetime.

As I remember my friends this holiday, I think of another Greek

word, phileo. “And He has given us this command: Whoever loves God

must also love his brother.” I John 4:21 (Holy Bible, New

International Version).

Phileo is the love we show other humans. It is where we get the

term brotherly love.

This love differs from agape in that it is clearly defined as

tender affection.

We can share this type of love by reaching out to friends and

perhaps a stranger in a special way. Make someone’s day this

Valentine’s! And do not forget to tell your friends just how

important they are in your life.

Finally, I consider the love Valentine’s Day is famous for:

Romantic love: As we seek to choose our valentine this year, we most

likely reflect on the one we feel eros, or romantic love, for. Eros

is the love that produces desire and passion within us. While we have

a deep commitment to our spouse in life, it most likely stemmed from

the romantic love we feel for them.

God’s intent is for us to continue expressing passionate love to

our spouse for a lifetime.

God created romantic love, and in obedience to him, it can be

perfected in our marital relationships -- teaching our children what

a healthy marriage looks like. Don’t forget to bless your beloved

valentine this year in a unique way!

As Valentine’s Day nears, thank God for the gift of love. And

remember to display love to those in your own life: Your spouse,

children, parents, friends and strangers. Instruct your children to

take the time to show love and appreciation to their grandparents,

siblings, friends, teachers and Sunday school teachers.

Remember, God is love and created love. Let’s be his hand extended

to those around us this holiday.

* REV. KIMBERLIE ZAKARIAN’s column runs alternating Fridays.

Contact her by e-mail at HolyHouse9@aol.com; or by mail at Holy House

Ministries c/o the Rev. Kimberlie Zakarian, 9641 Tujunga Canyon Blvd., Tujunga, CA 91042.