The idea of the Greeks about God is that, God by nature cannot be disturbed. He is of absolute serenity.
The Stoics have the same idea about God. God is not capable of feelings. But contrary to the above ideas, Jesus came to teach us about a caring God who has not detached Himself from human affairs. Thus God is involved in our situation. He is very much afflicted with our afflictions. He is not an emotionaless God. He is more insulated to our problems. God is concerned. Therefore the basis of Christian ethics in the teaching of of Jesus concerned. In His teaching, Jesus told some parables to demonstrate this . For example:the parable found in Matt 25:31-44 - The separation of sheep and goats.
From the standard of judgement is whether one is concerned or not. Luke 16:19-30- The story of Richmond and Lazarus. Lazarus tried to admitting or tolerating such a man smelling at his gate, but his sin was that of omission. The rich man was not condemned for beating Lazarus, but he was condemned for omitting attitude of concern. Luke 10:29-37 (But he willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus and who is my neighbor.......?). He was concerned with all what he had for that man. In the parable of the good Samaritan, Jesus made us to see how we would be concerned about the needs of others our religious activities is useless if this attitude of concern is lacking. # This attitude of concern is called love [Greek define love in more words than English]
In English language most of the times, there is one word for different types of love but in Greek language there are different words for different types of love.
• EROS- This love is a passion,it is a desire. Sometimes it is over mastering in its intensity and so it ensalves,it makes one to be unreasonable [love that has its basis on material things passion operates]
• PHILIA- This is steadfast love of affection. It comes as a result of facing life together. This type of love really binds together even when all passion is gone*[Unlike Eros passion does not operate love experimentally. Old friends that experiences some things never forget each other eg. husband and wife
• STORAGE - is a type of love that exist between a child and his parents e.g between a son and his mother, between a daughter and her father, between a brother and his sister. Without the thought of self-exaltation coming into their mind[Family love - they can even sleep together]
• AGAPE ( Matt 5:43-48) this love is experienced towards the good ones and the evil ones towards the just and the just, it is Christian love, it is more than emotional reaction, it is even more than a mere response to the heart, rather it is anact of the will. It is l9ve that makes our whole personality goes out reaching out. This love can't be altered. Christian love is that attitude of the mind and will and the whole personality that makes us to love the lovely, the unlovable and the unloving including those that hate and hurt us to the extent of wishing them nothing but good will. Therefore is more than an emotional thing. Human love finds what is pleasing unto it whereas divine love creates what is pleasing unto it.
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This is @bigssam from #teamghana