IMPACT OF LOVE (1)

“And now abides faith, hope, LOVE, these three: but the GREATEST of these is LOVE” – 1 Corinthians 13:13

C. S. Lewis “The Four Loves” explores the IMPACT of LOVE from the divine and other dimensions: “And now abides faith, hope, LOVE, these three: but the GREATEST of these is LOVE” (1 Cor.13:13). Lewis describes four fundamental types of love – Storge (Affection), Philia (Friendship), Eros (Romantic love), and Agape (Charity) – differentiating between Need-love and Gift-love. 1 Corinthians 13 presents Agape as the highest form of love, characterized by patient, kind, and selfless actions. Each of the types of love has its own dangers and virtues, but true fulfillment comes from the selfless, unconditional, God-like love. While other loves are vital, the ultimate impact stems from adopting Agape’s self-giving nature, that mirrors the divine.

Need-love is where one receives something from another, highlighting inherent selfishness and how this can lead to demands and a lack of freedom within relationships. In contrast, the ultimate impact of Gift-love (Agape) is transformative. It fosters selflessness and redirects our focus from ourselves to others, leading to spiritual growth and a more Christ-like nature. 

Affection: is the most basic, general, and emotive type of love, exemplified by the love between family members. This is a natural often involuntary fondness and loyalty, like that of a parent for a child or loyalty to one's hometown. Left unchecked, however, affection can become selfish, leading one to curve inward. 

Friendship: is a deep bond of mutual interests and shared experiences, a unique and profound love that is chosen freely. 

Romantic Love: is an avid desire for a particular person, distinct from mere sexual attraction; fervent love that seeks personal fulfillment, but can also be dangerous and lead to personal heartbreak or vulnerability if not guided by higher principles. 

Gift-Love or Charity: is the greatest, most spiritual, selfless, altruistic form of love given without expectation of return. God's love for humanity is Agape, an unconditional, self-sacrificial love that gives life. Only through participating in and receiving Agape can we truly understand and practice selfless love ourselves. Agape is patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not rude or selfish, not irritable or resentful (1Cor.13),

The impact of love is seen in how these distinct forms of love connect us to one another and to the divine. The lower forms of love – Storge, Philia, and Eros – when properly understood and embraced, become vital training grounds for “charity,” the selfless, divine love of God. Our deep need for love, when directed toward God, fulfills the deepest need in our lives. 

The Impact of Love accommodates the realities of vulnerability and selflessness. Vulnerability is an essential part of embracing love, even with the risk of heartbreak. To love at all is to be vulnerable. Lewis contrasts this with the danger of locking one's heart away for safety, leading to an unbreakable but irredeemable selfishness. True Love is vulnerable and selfless.