Welcome to Faith Before Sight!
Devotion to Jesus isn’t just for Sundays; it’s a daily choice rooted in community. Our beliefs and stories shape our lives one step at a time. Even in adversity, we can keep moving forward. I have stage four sciatic endometriosis, which brings terrorizing pain most days a month. But these dark valleys don’t define me, and because my life is rooted in God I know this won’t consume me. Instead, I’m finding my character being shaped, my eyes being sharpened, and my Lord building resilience upon resilience into my body for the chronic road ahead.
Under the care of the good Shepherd, suffering can be a catalyst for physical, emotional, and spiritual growth. Though I’ve struggled with unrelenting pain for over three years, I’ve found comfort in the rest, acceptance, and kindness of Jesus. I’m grateful to my husband and framily for their support.
This blog is to honor the One who has been with me through it all, and an invitation for those suffering severely to come and see that the Lord is good. From renewing moments to hot mess express nights, Jesus has never left my side. His loyal love supports me when my foot slips (Psalm 94:18). I know my Redeemer lives, whether it’s a time of drought or abundance. He’s been with me in every challenge, guiding, rescuing, and just being there.
Pause & Reflect: Your Spiritual Journey
- Consider the beliefs that have shaped you.
- Relationships and experiences that have molded you.
- Influences that you have chosen or given authority to “guide” you.
- What do you know about Jesus and how He reveals His character?
- Where did you acquire this knowledge? Reflect on your sources—do they reflect accuracy and integrity?
- Was this knowledge imparted with love and within the context of a genuine community?
- Was it gleaned from the vast expanse of the internet or other media?
We have supposed that the way to help people be holy is to just tell them to ‘stop sinning,’ when in fact, lasting transformation is a spiritual consequence of ‘beholding the glory of the Lord.”
— Jackie Hill Perry, Holier Than Thou
What You’ll Find Exploring This Site: A Helpful Reminder
Every question that matters to you, matters! Questions guide our journey and provide insights into our starting points. They are a means of gathering valuable information, shaping our plans, and making adjustments in our lives. Whether you’re exploring spirituality for the first time, seeking to understand God from a Biblical perspective, or you’ve come to this site as a long-time Christian, know that He’s always reaching out to you with love, seeking to reveal Himself and grant you a life filled with joy, peace, and lasting hope.
I have told you these things while I am still with you. But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you. Peace I leave with you; My [perfect] peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid. [Let My perfect peace calm you in every circumstance and give you courage and strength for every challenge.]
John 14:25-27 AMP
Understanding God’s Love: Storge, Philia, & Agape in the Bible
The Bible uses several Greek words to describe different forms of love, each providing insights into God’s relationship with humanity. Below are a few key greek terms—storge, philia, and agape—to aide understanding the various dimensions of God’s love.
Agape: Unconditional Love
The first is “agape,” frequently defined as unconditional love. Agape represents a selfless, sacrificial form of love that surpasses simple affection or emotional attachment. It’s a type of love that seeks the ultimate good for the beloved without expecting anything in return. The clearest demonstration of this love from God is when He sent Jesus to live a flawless life and ultimately die, bearing the weight of righteous judgment for you.
Through Jesus’ death, God illustrated the true meaning of agape love. On a cross made for the worst criminals of His day, Jesus fulfilled the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. By taking on the cost for humanity’s rebellion and brokenness, Jesus opened the path to spiritual and relational reconciliation with God. According to 1 John 4:9-10, “In this, the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.”
This selfless act reveals the heart of God’s love, paving the way for a lasting and permanent connection for anyone who believes the moment they place faith in Jesus. The sacrifice of Jesus is the ultimate proof of God’s unconditional love, offering hope and redemption to all who embrace it.
Side Note: The Gospel, or “good news,” is that God freely offers a reconciled relationship to anyone who seeks Him. God doesn’t force relationships; that would contradict love, which must be freely given. He allows everyone to choose, respecting their freedom. This divine love encourages us to recognize our distance from God and accept His offer of forgiveness and restoration. By choosing eternal life through Jesus, we grow spiritually and experience the lasting connection and healing that God promises. The invitation is open to everyone, underscoring God’s inclusive and gracious love.
Storge:
“Storge” represents familial love, emphasizing the bonds within families. Although this term isn’t explicitly used in the Bible, its concept is found in verses that discuss family relationships. Romans 12:10, for example, urges believers to “be devoted to one another in love.” Ephesians 6:2 highlights the importance of honoring parents, reflecting the essence of storge. (Romans 12:10, 1 Timothy 5:8, Ephesians 6:2)
Philia:
“Philia” denotes brotherly love or friendship. This type of love is often found within Christian communities, emphasizing the importance of relationships among believers. In John 15:13, Jesus says encapsulating the sacrificial aspect of philia, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (Hebrews 13:1, James 2:8, Romans 12:10)
Conclusion: The Depth of God’s Love in Propitiation
In Christian theology, propitiation represents the act of satisfying God’s righteous anger or judgment, typically through a sacrificial offering. It often refers to Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, where He takes on humanity’s sins to reconcile us with God. This concept goes beyond justice, symbolizing God’s profound love and desire to heal the broken relationship with humanity.
Lastly, the Greek words for love—agape, philia, and storge—each bring a unique perspective to understanding the nature of God’s love. These elements come together to form a comprehensive view of God’s love and justice. Romans 3:26 (ESV) illustrates this balance: “It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”
