All you need is love


 
Speaking of love in the Second Testament, it is necessary to distinguish ‘Agapeo’ (unconditional love underlined by commitment) from ‘Phileo’ (a desired mutual friendship). 

‘Agapeo’ ascertains God’s ‘nature’, for God is ‘Agape’: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1John 4,7-8). 

Rather than a feeling, Agape identifies with what it does, not with what it feels. Thus, the above-cited “Dear friends” doesn’t express the author’s intention. He uses ‘agapetoi’ to emphasise that theirs is not mere friendship but a communion experienced in faith marked by their commitment to the Magister. Only thus can the author affirm: “This is how God showed his agape among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him” (1John 4,9). 

‘Agape’ indicates a commitment beyond imposed limits; expectations do not condition it. It is, therefore, no coincidence that the author affirms: “This is ‘agape’: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1John 4,10). Accordingly, having established the foundations of evangelical love, he affirms: “Let us love one another, for love comes from God” because “everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (John 4,7). ‘Agape” underlines discipleship: “By this, everyone will know that you are disciples if you love one another.” (1John 13,35)

Phileo is a love that underlines a desired mutual friendship. It does not suffice when speaking of discipleship since the latter calls for a commitment not necessarily envisaged in friendship: this is the point made to Peter near the lake (John 21,15-25). 

‘Phileo’ doesn’t fit the command to ‘love your enemies’: “But love (agapate) your enemies, do good (apathopoieite) to them, lend to them without expecting to get anything back” (Lk. 6, 35). What does all this mean? One can ‘Agapeo’ one’s enemies, but one cannot ‘Phileo’ them. 

Martin


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