Making a Differencewith Pastor Phil Erickson

Feb 14th The Greatest of These Is Love: A Devotional Thought for Valentine’s Day

Listen to today’s passage – Numbers 1 – 2

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Numbers 1

Second Milers also read – Acts 1 – 3; Proverbs 14; Psalms 71 – 75

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 51

Read the “0214 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by Charles  Spurgeon.

Read a previous post from today’s passage – “The Center of the Camp“

Today, we are taking a break from our normal practice of sharing a thought from the daily Scripture reading. Instead, I developed a thought from 1 Corinthians 13 and other passages regarding the topic of love. Hopefully, this will be a blessing for you on Valentine’s Day.

As the world celebrates Valentine’s Day with cards, flowers, and romantic gestures, we turn to the timeless words of Scripture for the true meaning of love. While our daily Bible reading takes us through Numbers 1-2, today we pause to meditate on 1 Corinthians 13—the great “love chapter.” Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, reminds us that without love (charity in the KJV), all our spiritual gifts, knowledge, and even sacrifices are empty.

“1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. … 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” (1 Cor 13:1–8, 13)

This is not sentimental romance—it’s divine, transformative love. In the New Testament, Greek words reveal layers of meaning for “love.” Two key terms stand out: agape (ἀγάπη) and phileo (φιλέω).[1]

• Agape is the selfless, unconditional love that originates from God. It’s a deliberate choice, not based on feelings or worthiness. It’s the love God shows us in Christ (Romans 5:8) and the love we’re commanded to show others—even when it’s hard. This is the primary word in 1 Corinthians 13 (translated “charity”). Agape is the greatest expression of love:

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) 

• Phileo is affectionate, friendship-based love—warm, emotional, and often mutual, like the bond between close friends or family. While beautiful, it’s more conditional and responsive than agape.

Though some overemphasize the contrast (and the words can overlap in usage), agape represents the higher, God-like love we’re called to pursue: sacrificial, enduring, and one-way when needed. True Christian love blends both—agape as the foundation, phileo as the warmth that flows from it.

As believers, this love shapes every relationship:

• Love for God: We are to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). This is the greatest commandment, and our love for others flows from it. If we claim to love God but fail to love others, we deceive ourselves (1 John 4:20).
• Love for brothers and sisters in Christ: We’re commanded to love one another deeply, as Christ loved us (John 13:34-35). This brotherly love (often phileo in tone, rooted in agape) marks us as disciples and builds up the body.
• Love for family: Scripture calls us to honor and care for our households (Ephesians 5:22-6:4; 1 Timothy 5:8). This includes tender affection within the home.
• Love for enemies: Jesus radically commands, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you” (Matthew 5:44). This mirrors God’s impartial love—sending rain on the just and unjust—and demonstrates the power of the gospel.

Marriage holds a special place in this picture, especially on Valentine’s Day. Husbands are commanded to love their wives “even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25)—pure agape, sacrificial and sanctifying. Wives are to respect and love their husbands (Titus 2:4; Ephesians 5:33). This love isn’t just emotional (phileo) but committed and enduring.

Here are some practical ways to express this Christ-like love in marriage:

• Practice patience and kindness daily (1 Corinthians 13:4): Speak gently, even in frustration; choose kindness over irritation.
• Serve one another humbly: Take on a chore your spouse dislikes without being asked, or prepare their favorite meal as an act of service.
• Prioritize quality time: Put away distractions and listen attentively—show that your spouse is valued above screens or schedules.
• Speak words of affirmation: Regularly say “I love you,” express gratitude, and affirm their strengths. Avoid criticism that tears down.
• Forgive quickly and freely: Don’t keep score of wrongs (v. 5); extend grace as Christ has to us.
• Pray together: Seek God as a couple, asking Him to grow your love and unity.
• Show physical affection thoughtfully: Hugs, kisses, and intimacy that honor God and strengthen your bond.
• Sacrifice self-interest: Put your spouse’s needs first, remembering love “seeketh not her own.”

In a world full of fleeting romance, let us pursue the love that “never faileth.” On this Valentine’s Day, may our marriages, families, churches, and even our interactions with those who oppose us reflect the agape love of Christ—the greatest gift of all.

[1] The other two Greek words for love—eros and storge—complete the classic quartet. These provide a fuller picture of how love operates in human relationships, all of which can (and should) be redeemed and elevated by God’s grace. Eros (ἔρως) refers to romantic or passionate love, often involving sexual desire, attraction, and longing for union with another person. It’s the love that draws lovers together, characterized by intensity, beauty, and a sense of being “captivated” by the beloved. The English word “erotic” derives from it. Storge (στοργή) describes natural, instinctive affection—often the quiet, loyal love within families. It’s the bond between parents and children, siblings, or even long-term companions who grow accustomed to one another. This love is protective, enduring through hardships, and often taken for granted because it’s so familiar and low-key. It’s less about passion or choice and more about belonging and natural devotion. Neither of these words appear in their root form within the Bible.