What precisely does the word 'love' refer to?
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That is a difficult one. The English word love can be used in translating 4 Greek words. Storge, philia, eros and agape.
Storge is the Greek word often used to refer to the natural affection that exists between members of the same family.
The Greek word for “affection” or “friendship” is philia.
The word eros, which refers to romantic love, is not used by the inspired Bible writers. It is more aptly translated infatuation.
Professor William Barclay in his New Testament Words says: “Agapē has to do with the mind: it is not simply an emotion which rises unbidden in our hearts; it is a principle by which we deliberately live. Agapē has supremely to do with the will.”
The bond that unites true Christians is a combination of family love and affection for true friends, with all relationships governed by love based on Bible principles.
