LET ALL THAT YOU DO BE DONE IN LOVE.

In I Corinthians 16:14 Paul is writing to the Christians in Corinth saying "Let all that you do be done in love."............ But, what kind of love is he talking about here? Romantic love? Brotherly love?...... The Greeks had various definitions of love. Eros is probably what most people mean when they announce with a smile, "I'm in love." This type of love covers everything from queasy stomachs and warm fuzzy feelings to strong sensual passion.We recognize philia and its meaning from the name Philadelphia, that is, the city of brotherly love. This is the love of friendship, best friends, and the fellowship of being with those people you enjoy.Unlike the previous two types of love, agape is not limited to being held hostage by its environment and someone's perception. The reason why agape can soar above these is because it is based upon the commitment of a decision. It entails the decision to proactively seek someone's well-being.

Is the love that Paul is talking about any of these three? Well, lets find out.

In I John 4:7-8 it says, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." The love that Paul is talking about is neither of the three, but merely the love of God. Yes the concept of eros, philia, and agape are great, but the love of God surpasses them all. Paul is urging the people to love as God would love. Paul tells us to have a heart that loves with joy, patience, kindness,goodness, faithfulness, and peace. The love of God is keeping all of His commandments. 1 John 5:3 "For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments And his commandments are not burdensome." As we go through out our day to day lives, everything that we do should be done in the love of God. And if you really think about it, how burdensome could that be considering what all He has ultimately done for us.(John 3:16). When we do God's will and stay faithful to Him there is no greater love in this world. And what a reward we get when we love Him so. (Matthew 7:21)

-The Girls-