As Valentine's day approaches (and more importantly, my mother's birthday) there is a distinct increase in the number of times that you hear the word "love." Of course this increase in frequency doesn't mean that people understand what they're saying or why they're saying it. Most often, they say it because they feel like they should. This has long been one of the more foolish reasons to do anything; but foolishness rarely deters people. We're very good at being foolish and are constantly inventing new ways to prove it.
The generality and overall lack of clarity that comes with the English word "love"has been oft lamented, and rightfully so. Greek, as I'm sure you've heard at least once from the pulpit, has four different words that are translated as love. Of those four, one (storgé) only exists in a technical, lexical sense in Ancient Greek and is rarely used; it's negative form is more common and means something like unnatural love or affection. One, (phile-o) refers to love one feels toward family and friends. Another (eros) refers mostly to romantic love and sexual attraction, although it can be used to mean love stronger than (phile-o). The last, of course, is the famous (agapé) and it is used by the New Testament writers to describe God's love for us. Because of this it is often described as self-sacrificial love or deep emotion.
Greek, despite what you may have heard, is not a perfect language (it has twelve inflections of the number one). However, in this particular case it has provided a much more specific set of ideas for what love is. In English we have to play the guessing game with the word. Does love = affection? Preference? Enjoyment? Attraction? Appreciation? Care? Desire? Possession? All of these words contain some of the ideas that form the referent for the English word love. So, native English speakers, let me encourage you to be clear. English is a wonderful language when used correctly; namely by taking advantage of the fact that there are about ten words for every idea. English often has the perfect word to describe what you mean, but you may have to work a little to find it. When you do find it, you can communicate that idea with precise clarity. Clarity in language is something that I have come to appreciate more and more as I live in a society and culture where it isn't guaranteed to me and, as often as not, shouldn't really be expected.
Finally then, wherefore love? The Christian understanding of love is founded on the bedrock of the character of the Living God. Deuteronomy 6:4-5, Leviticus 19:15-18, 1 John 3:11, and 1 John 4:7-21 explain to us more specifically what is expected of us regarding this idea of "love," and that list isn't exhaustive by any means. The most common theme from the Biblical testimony about love is that it is expressed in more than words. This is why we can believe each other when we say "I love you," because we've seen the proof in actions. So don't just say you care about love; act like it.
The school year here in the Philippines is winding down. Graduation for Aparri Bible Seminary is approximately a month away. We also have our Inter-Seminary Fellowship quickly approaching. That's always enjoyable and this year the fellowship is at Philippine College of Ministry in Baguio. Baguio is in the mountains and has one of the more enjoyable climates anywhere. Definitely looking forward to it. Other than that we're wrapping up our school year; finishing assignments and trying to make sure we cover enough material etc.
Before you know it I'll be back in that beautiful Bluegrass; something I'm very much looking forward to.
Grace to you all,
Nick
No comments:
Post a Comment