Agape Is Essential, but Phileo? That’s Perfection!

6/15/2025

Some of us were talking about the difference between agape and phileo, and why that made such an impression that the word in 1 Corinthians 16:22 was phileo. Here is what I found:

I was just praying and was reminded once again why it is so crucial that we die to self, die to all other competing things, die to the world so that we can enter into the Highest and most precious of all, phileo love relationship with God and Jesus. Jesus’ third question to Peter is, “Do you phileo me?” Jesus is looking for that in us; He is asking us that question, and looking for those who will. Phileo is “tender affection, cherishing the Object above all else, an affection characterized by constancy, from the motive of highest veneration.” (veneration: great respect, reverence, respect or awe inspired by dignity, wisdom, etc.)

To walk in the garden with God and to enjoy His company and listen to His gentle whisper, His mentorship... That’s perfection. Agape is unconditional and requires no emotion. And while that too is essential, to explore the many rooms in my Father’s house requires something more than assent to God’s glory and power, unconditionally. Both are amazing, but a religious person could claim the agape love for God and not have the slightest idea what a friendship of walking with God even means. “Jesus tells his secrets to his friends” (John 15:15).

•  "Do Not Agape the World!" What?!