We all hunger for Love. It is the way we have been created. In this time of year, the stores are filled with layers of many shades of red and pink. This has always brought a smile to my heart as there is a unique beauty in gift giving. Valentine’s Day is approaching and the flowers, the bright red displays and cards are placed so prominently to catch all the eyes of husbands and those in relationships. All in anticipation of prompting people to give gifts to their beloved. But what is Love? Love is more than just a day to give candy and flowers. It is more than butterflies or a passionate kiss. In all ways and in time love can be many things…love can be the comfort of a friend who is faithful. Love can be the warmth of a Mothers embrace…
When reflecting upon Love, it is so much more than the sexually charged cultural images or shallow self seeking messages so intensely and graphically portrayed on many popular TV shows. It is more than all the material gifts many buy one day a year, some out of a sheer sense of obligation not from true sincerity.
Love is many things. There are many types of love. Different Types of Love have been classified and the most culturally popular is Erotic Love, “Eros”…which is named after the Greek god of love and fertility. …then there is,
“Philia” or Affectionate Love. …
“Storge” or Familiar Love. …
“Ludus” or Playful Love. …
“Mania” or Obsessive Love. …
“Pragma” or Enduring Love. …
“Philautia” or Self Love. …
“Agape” or Selfless Love.
Love has many forms and with such has varying degrees of depth and beauty within them all. Most have known the beauty of a mothers love…“STORGE” or familiar Love. Then there’s the dearness and special love one feels for a friend, “PHILIA”, but ultimately love in its most purest form is a love that reflects light. A love that overcomes darkness. A love that triumphs over the struggles of our human weaknesses…Not just for a moment but for all days. A love that is not subject to the whim of a feeling. A Love that from its very foundation gives selflessly and demonstrates its truth in action. …A love that gives, a love that chooses the beloved’s needs time and time again over oneself. A love like this, a love that empties itself, a love that emulates Christ’s love for us. A love like that, now that is a most difficult struggle but the beauty lies in the struggle. The dying to oneself for love of another. Who doesn’t want to be loved like that? A love that is selfless, an Agape love. That is truly the love we hunger for in the depths of our hearts. This is why the other forms of Love draw us for a moment in time. The other types of Love can satisfy although often are fleeting and never quench like Agape.
It is this yearning, this hunger within our hearts, that must be filled by God himself. Only he can fill that void. Only when we know him and his love intimately…only then are we capable of loving others as God designed us to love originally before the fall…To love selflessly. When by merits not of our own but rather by graces received from walking in his light. By opening our hearts to God and being filled with his Love for us and persevering on the path he wills for our lives…only then are we truly capable of loving others unconditionally.
Have you hungered for love? I encourage you to find a quite place, pray and sit in silence. Open the door of your heart to Jesus. He will speak to your heart. Allow him to fill you with a Love the world in all its false promises can never offer you. A love he thirsts to give you. Only in his Love will you rest and be truly satisfied. Be filled by his love so that you may be capable of reflecting an Agape love…a true and unconditional love, be that kind of love to others. That is what we all truly Long for.
