ENJOYING LOVE IN ITS FULLNESS
"In The Marriage Relationship"

Colossians 3: 15-21

Introduction:

Sometimes our use of the word "love" leads to confusion, Because we over use it:
I Love My Wife - But I Also Love My Car.
I Love My Children - But I Also Love My House.
I Love The Lord - But I Also Love To Play Golf.

We use the same word, but the depth and meaning are different. In The Greek Language there are Five words to describe Love. I want us to look at them and learn to apply them "in our marriage".

I. A FELT LOVE

Epithumeo (ep-ee-thoo-meh’-o)

I Peter 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

A FELT LOVE - "Desire" This Greek Word Means: To Set Your Heart On - To Long For - To Desire-
Here we see the courtship of love. It means to have strong feelings for something or someone. To be emotional in your marriage Relationship.

II. Eros - A FLESHLY LOVE

A word for romance - Not in the New Testament

To Be Sentimental - A FLESHLY LOVE

A love between the sexes.

Can Be Used In A Bad Way (lust). But in marriage it is all right To Have Fleshly Feelings For Each Other. Here we see the romance of marriage. Having a physical Attraction for each other.

III. Storge - A FAMILY LOVE

To have a sense of belonging.

A FAMILY LOVE
Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

A love between - Brother & Sister -
Father or Mother - To Children

This word describes the sense of belonging in the Family relationship. The sense of belonging is what makes a marriage special.

IV. Phileo - A FELLOWSHIP LOVE

To look upon someone with warmth and real affection.

Friendship - Companionship Phileo love expects a response. It means to cherish, to have strong affection toward another. To enjoy companionship. To view your mate as a friend. A Marriage without Phileo love will be unsatisfactory. The word expresses a wonderful relationship

V. Agape - A FORGIVING LOVE

Unconditional Love - A Lifelong Love

A FORGIVING LOVE

A love That Does Not Require Response.

A love that values and serves with no dependance on feelings. It is a love of action not emotions.

Agape love goes on caring when old age comes. It is not dependant on the outward appearance, but you can love that person - for better for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health. It is a lifelong love.