“Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7)
As I am sure you know, the Christian Scriptures were written in Greek. The type of Greek which was used by the evangelists is called “Koine” Greek. Those who study the Scriptures are usually required to have some background in Koine Greek so that they can better understand the original intent of the sacred writers. This becomes particularly important when dealing with the word “love.” There are at least four different Greek words for “love.” Whereas we tend to use the word “love” indiscriminately, Greek chooses the most appropriate word to match the sentiment. A few examples will help us to understand:
1. I am head over heels in love with my wife.
2. I love my children.
3. I love my best friend.
4. I love my neighbor as myself.
Each statement in English uses the same word. However in Greek each of these statements would use a different word. The first example would use the Greek word “eros.” The second example would use the word “storge.” The third example would use the word “philia.” Finally, the love of neighbor would be expressed through “agape.”
St. John’s letter uses the final example. “Agape” can best be defined as brotherly love, affection, good will, love, and benevolence. “Agape” is used by Christians to express the unconditional love of God for his children. This type of love was further explained by Thomas Aquinas as "to will the good of another. Another quality of “agape” is fidelity. Whereas the love of a spouse might begin as “eros,” with the passage of time, it can develop into “agape.”
If we apply this to the “situational” Scripture that is the first letter of St. John, we more readily understand that he is still talking to those in the community who consider themselves better than the poor or illiterate members of the Church. “Agape” does not permit separatism or arrogance. It does not admit the notion of being “better than.”
Once we set aside the romantic connotations that are often connected to the word “love” in English, we can come to a better understanding of what St. John is asking of the community. Faithful and unconditional love is our goal. We strive for this kind of love realizing that it is a life-time struggle. Once again we can understand that we are called to “remain” or “abide” in Christ through our allegiance to his Church.
Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator