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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: LOVE (08/03/23)
One of the eye-opening milestones that I encountered along the road to my ordination, was to learn that the Bible that I had grown up with, was NOT “the” Word of God, but only one of many English translations of the original manuscripts that were written in Hebrew, Greek, and a little Aramaic.

Some translators of Scripture have done a better job than others.

But like the setting of the tuning dial on an old radio to best hear what is being communicated, even the more accurate English translations remain to be an ongoing work in progress.

There is an old saying that something is lost in the translation, necessitating the need to go back to the original languages in order to best interpret and apply Scripture.

There are several different Greek words that are all rendered “l-o-v-e” in the English translations of Scripture. Each Greek word has its own unique meaning that is not made clear when these different words are all translated l-o-v-e.

Ignorance of, or failing to prioritize, the specific type of love being spoken of in any one verse of Scripture, can generate a lot of confusion and erroneous conclusions.

The love that we have for God, spouse, children, pets, hobbies, and activities are all different, as is the love that advancing disciples are to have for their enemies.

“But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, (evidenced by) do(ing) good to those who hate you, bless(ing) those who curse you, pray(ing) for those who are abusive to you (Luke 6:27‭-‬28 NASB2020/parentheses mine).”‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬

In John 3: 16, love is an English translation of the Greek word AGAPAO meaning to wish well or to take pleasure in a social or moral sense. In John 21: 1, love is an English translation of the Greek word PHILEO referring to affection in a friendly relationship. In Romans 12: 10, love is an English translation of the Greek word PHILADELPHIA, referring to an affectionate bond within a group. In Titus 2: 4, “love is an English translation of the Greek word PHILANDROUS referring to an affectionate bond in marriage between a male husband and a female wife. In Titus 2: 4, “love” is an English translation of the Greek word PHILOTEKNOS referring to an emotional bond with one’s children. In Titus 3: 4, “love is an English translation of the Greek word PHILANTHROPIA referring to a caring attitude towards mankind in general.

Failing to keep our love for God in its proper place of priority can disqualify us from the earthly life of discipleship, and its heavenly reward and privileges (4).

“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate (love less) his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple (Luke 14:26 NASB2020 parenthesis mine).”

The 1Cor. 13: 4-8 love, often cited at weddings, that NEVER fails, etc., is unconditional love, not personal love. Personal love between married couples can easily be offended and replaced with bitterness and unforgiveness that can destroy a relationship.

One can develop a love (a compelling, desire, devotion, commitment) for things that are good and productive, and for things that are evil and destructive.

When not kept in its proper place on one’s list of priorities, the objects of our love can become a source of jealously and conflict, as they compete for the focus of our attention, our time, our finances, and our devotion.

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God AND wealth (self, or anything else).” (Matthew 6: 24 NASB2020/capitalization and parenthesis mine).p

There are different definitions and manifestations of love, but there is only one way to measure any one of them.

Love is measured by the extent that one is willing to make self-sacrifices in order to please, honor, or best serve the interests of the object of his/her love.

Actions speak louder than words (5).

God said “I love you” when He placed His Son on the cross to serve our best interests (6). We say “I love You” back to God through our obedience (7), and by prioritizing the things of God (8).
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(1) Luke 14: 26 (2) John 3: 16 (3) John 14: 15 (4) 1Cor. 3: 14/Rev. 2/Rev. 3 (5) Isaiah 29: 14 (6) John 3: 16 (7) John 14: 15 (8) Psalms 27: 4
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This article has been read 979 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Philippa Geaney
08/14/23
Wow the punch came at the end. I read it as being the litmus test of love is the willingness to self-sacrifice in order to please, honour, and serve the object of that love.
SO good.
C D Swanson 
08/17/23
Powerfully executed in content and delivery.

Well done,

God Bless~