Week #2: Storge
Blog Series Intention Recap
This four-week series for February focuses on Love. Love makes up a major topic in the Bible, which is fitting because Christianity is a faith-centered on love, and God Himself is love. As it says in 1 John 4:8, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." In the ancient world, there were many words for different kinds of love, and many of these are mentioned in the Bible. For Christians, four main types of love are significant: agapē (self-sacrificial love), storgē (family love), philia (friendship love), and eros (romantic love).
This post is part of the series “Loves: Defined in the Bible.” Click here to check out the other posts.
Let’s jump into Week #2:
Storgē love, or familial affection, is a vital part of Christian love, reflecting the deep bonds we share as brothers and sisters in Christ.
Why It Matters
Storgē is the Greek term for love between family members. Though not directly mentioned in the Bible, its opposite, astorgous, appears in Romans 1:31, warning against a lack of natural affection.
The love among siblings Martha, Mary, and Lazarus in the New Testament illustrates storgē. Romans 12:10 calls for brotherly affection among believers.
Storgē love calls for deep, genuine affection for fellow believers, going beyond mere politeness or duty.
Identify those in your life with whom you practice storgē and extend this love to others in the church, making them feel part of the family.
Going Deeper
Storgē - Familial Affection in Christian Life
The Bible emphasizes different kinds of love, and one of the most fundamental is storgē, or familial affection. Although the term "storgē" itself isn't found in Scripture, its essence is deeply woven into the fabric of biblical teachings. This blog post will explore storgē love, its significance in the Bible, and how we can practice this kind of love in our lives today.
Definition and Biblical Context
Storgē is the Greek term that denotes the love shared among family members, such as between parents and children or between siblings. Dolores Smyth explains that while storgē is not directly mentioned in the Bible, its contrary form, astorgous, appears. Astorgous means "without natural affection" and is used in Romans 1:31 to describe those who lack this natural familial love, warning against a time when people will become heartless and selfish (Smyth, Crosswalk).
Romans 12:10 instructs, "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." The Greek word used here, philostorgos, combines philos (brotherly love) and storgē, highlighting the importance of loving one another as a family. According to Jack Zavada, philostorgos means "to love one’s kindred," underscoring that believers are part of a spiritual family.
Biblical Examples of Storgē
The Bible provides numerous examples of storgē love, most notably among the siblings Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Their deep care for each other and their interactions with Jesus illustrate familial affection in action. The disagreement by sisters over who should do what mirrors several of the conversations and fights between my kids. Familial love is not always quiet love. Sometimes they call each other out and sometimes siblings protect each other in ways no one else can.
Paul’s exhortation in Romans 12:10 to love one another with brotherly affection is a call to embody storgē within the Christian community. This love is not just about familial relationships by blood but extends to the spiritual family of the church. John Piper emphasizes that this command goes beyond mere acts of kindness; it calls for genuine, heartfelt affection towards fellow believers.
Practical Implications of Storgē Love
Practicing storgē love within the church has profound implications. It means treating other believers as true family members, which involves more than just polite interactions. It requires a deep, genuine affection and a commitment to each other’s well-being.
Piper points out that brotherly affection challenges the notion that we only need to perform good deeds for those we don't like. Instead, Paul is advocating for a love that goes beyond duty, fostering warm and sincere relationships within the church.
Loving others with storgē means we cannot ignore the needs of those we are in relationship with, nor can we be exclusive in our affections. We are called to extend this familial love to all believers, recognizing that we are bound together by something stronger than physical ties—the bonds of the Spirit.
Extending Storgē Love in Our Lives
To apply storgē love in our lives, we first need to identify those with whom we already share this kind of affection. These might be family members or close friends within the church. Then, we should seek to extend this love to others, especially those who might feel isolated or unwelcome.
One practical way to do this is by changing our attitude towards fellow believers. Instead of seeing them as merely other congregation members, we should view them as our brothers and sisters in Christ. This perspective shift can transform our interactions and deepen our relationships within the church.
Jack Zavada writes that when we become followers of Jesus, we enter into the family of God, bound together by the Spirit and the blood of Christ (Gary Miller Ministries). This familial bond calls us to practice storgē love genuinely and wholeheartedly.
Illustrating Storgē Love
Popular media can sometimes offer vivid illustrations of storgē love. For instance, in the 2008 movie "Speed Racer," storge, the Greek term for familial love, is illustrated through the close-knit and supportive relationships within the Racer family. Speed's parents, Pops and Mom Racer, display unwavering support and encouragement as Speed pursues his passion for racing. Despite the dangerous and competitive nature of the sport, they stand by him, offering guidance and love. Additionally, Speed's older brother, Rex Racer, sacrifices his dreams and reputation to protect and ensure the safety of his family. This deep bond and mutual care among the Racer family members exemplify storge, highlighting their unconditional love and commitment to one another through thick and thin.
Other examples can be found in kid’s cartoons and music. For instance, the song "Little Brothers" from Phineas and Ferb, humorously captures the inevitable yet endearing nature of sibling relationships. Similarly, NEEDTOBREATHE’s song “Brother” explores literal and spiritual brotherhood, emphasizing support and loyalty.
How does this help me understand, “Loves?”
Storgē love, or familial affection, provides a foundational aspect of Christian love. It calls us to treat fellow believers as true family members, fostering deep, genuine relationships. By understanding and practicing storgē love, we can strengthen our spiritual community and reflect the love that Christ has for His church.
Incorporate storgē into your life by recognizing those you already share this bond with and extending it to others within your church family. By doing so, you can help create a welcoming, loving community that embodies the familial love we are called to practice as followers of Christ.
