Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #5 — Love In Friendship

Picture: Counsel #5 — Love in Friendship CR 23.1

The Bible references four types of love. CR 23.2

Eros—romantic or sexual
Storge—familial
Philia—love that unites people with shared interests, such as belief in Christ
Agape—God’s unselfish, unconditional love for humankind

True Christian friendship must be based on love and will include philia as well as agape love. Friendship love is kind, compassionate, and caring. It does not usually focus on managing perceptions or maintaining a false front, as eros love may. Work toward exhibiting a friendship love that is sacrificial, consistent, and God-like.^[21] This is the kind of love we should be CR 23.3

“rooted” in (Ephesians 3:17). CR 23.4

“I pray that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment.” Philippians 1:9 NKJV CR 23.5

“Love is a precious gift, which we receive from Jesus. Pure and holy affection is not a feeling, but principle…. Taught by the Holy Spirit, they love God supremely, and their neighbor as themselves.” Ellen White in Messages to Young People, p. 435 CR 23.6

Reflect: In what ways do you love your friends with the unselfish, unconditional love that Jesus extends to all humanity?
CR 23.7