A Place to Learn About How to Live Life as a Christian

G.O.A.T. as an acronym applies to someone recognized as the “Greatest Of All Time” in a particular field. Quarterback Tom Brady is hailed by many in this regard as a recent example. The focus here is upon a different type of G.O.A.T. This G.O.A.T. is elaborated upon in the New Testament in the 13 verses of 1st Corinthians 13.

Paul wrote a letter to the church in Corinth, which is located in Greece. He aimed to correct several problems obvious in that congregation. One of the problems is  addressed in chapters 12 and 14. It concerned how the public worship assemblies should be conducted. Their worship assemblies had degenerated into occasions of reproach within the City of Corinth. Envy, rivalry, jealousy, and other worldly ambitions ran unchecked.

The Greek language at that time had four words to describe different types of love: agape, phileo, eros, and storge. Only two are used in the New Testament, agape (self-sacrificial love) and phileo (brotherly love). A third type of love, eros, expresses sexual love. Nonetheless, the word is not found in the New Testament. The fourth Greek word for love is storge. It relates to natural, familial love. This love is like the bond between a parent and child.

In the New Testament, the negative form of storge is used twice. Astorgos means “devoid of natural or instinctive affection, without affection to kindred.” Romans 1:31 describes sinful humanity as having “no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.” The Greek word translated as “no love” is astorgos. The other instance of this word is found in 2 Timothy 3:3, where it is translated “without love.” Paul warns about the absence of natural love. He states it will be a characteristic of the “terrible times in the last days.” This unnatural lack would be within families.

In Romans 12:10 an interesting compound occurs: philostorgos is translated as “be devoted.” The word combines philos and storge and means “to cherish one’s kindred.” Believers in Christ, children of the same heavenly Father, are to “be devoted to one another in love.” As part of God’s family, we must show loving affection toward one another.

Agape is the word used in chapter 13 of 1st Corinthians. The Apostle Paul describes it as the “better” or “more excellent” way. This in comparison to the way those Christians were misbehaving toward one another. It’s the word used famously in John 3:16: God so loved the world that He gave . . .“ In Romans 5:8, the word is used stating: “God demonstrated His love for us. Even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

These verses help us understand that agape comes to us from God. Is not self-generated. It is intended for us to extend it as God’s children to those around us. It’s the word used to describe God’s essential nature: 1 John 4:8b “God is love.”

We must understand that agape is not merely an impulse that flows from our emotions. Agape extends beyond natural affection of family. It does not necessarily align with our natural inclinations. It moves us to act contrary to our feelings at times. Agape seeks the best welfare for everyone regardless of their situation in life.

The characteristics of agape are stated as: patient, kind, etc. The Apostle Paul then concludes by listing three lasting things: Faith, Hope, and Love (agape). He identifies Love as the greatest of the three, the G.O.A.T.

Why? Because it is eternal. It reflects the very nature of God. This nature is demonstrated in Jesus Christ. It is the one thing Christians must pursue above all else.