Today is Family day here in Ontario, falling the day after Valentine’s.
Which got me thinking about love and family.
To me, there are three different types of family, which ideally represent the three main types of love:
The family we are born into is meant to be our Agape love foundation. Agape love is meant for each person, whether they know God or not. It was meant to be a love we offer regardless of how we like one another or not, by choosing to love. You may or may not have experienced this type of love in your family, which may make it hard for you to accept God’s choice to love you no matter what.
The family we choose is designed to meet our need for Philos love. Philos love is sisterhood/brotherhood love, the kind of companion or best friend love we all need. And it’s the one we choose for ourselves, based on our likes/dislikes. This kind of love can also not be what we hoped for or expect, as its based upon others.
The family which chooses us represents the best love, God’s love. Eros love is the deep passionate desire and longing kind of love, which initially draws hearts together to long for more besides agape (security) and philos (friendship) love.
All of human love is a pale reflection of the Love which was and is the source of them.
For we are fallible, and will let each other down, even those we love.
God’s love isn’t like ours. It’s puree without flaw. Deliberately chosen and eternally held dear.
His Agape love?
It is for always.
(John 15:12-13, Romans 5:8)
His Philos love?
It is for everyone.
(John 5:20)
His Eros love?
It is forever.
(Song of Song 1:1-4)
For His heart? His heart is:
●To place the lonely into families.
(Psalm 68:6)
●To restore the brokenhearted.
(Psalm 147:3, Psalm 34:18)
●To comfort the hurting and mourners. (Job 5:11)
●To hear your cries. (Isaiah 41:10)
●To fill you with His love. (Ephesians 3:19)
●To never leave you. (Romans 8:37-39)
If your family isn’t quite what you hoped for, wounded you or abandoned you…
If your best friend hurts you or your spouse breaks it off with you…
There is still hope to be found in love.
God’s love is the purest love there is. It is yours to receive, and He longs for you to be one of His.
For He not only made you, He loves you. No matter what. And He wants you part of His family.
Family here on earth may let you down. God never will.
Take a few moments to ponder His love for you.
Allow His love to bypass your wounds and walls, and fill you up beyond your imagination.
For if you invite His love in, He will come. His love cannot help but do so!
Family is about love.
Love which chooses one another even though there may be failures or wounding.
Family is at the heart of God.
For He is family all in One.
Father, Son, Holy Spirit.
Ever loving one another, ever reminding us all we are wanted and loved.
As family.
As friends.
As the Beloved.
KARLA LEES 