This episode of Unshaken Faith explores the three major love‑words Scripture uses — ahavah, agape, and phileo — and how each one shapes the way we build relationships that actually last. Not vague sentiment. Not romantic clichés. Real, biblical love that chooses, gives, and delights.

Andi Jo walks through ahavah, the Old Testament word for love that chooses and holds. It is covenant love, loyal love, the kind of love that stays when the feeling dips and costs you something to keep. “You shall love the Lord your God…” (Deuteronomy 6:5) Ahavah is not a crush. It is a decision. It is the love that keeps a marriage steady and makes a friendship trustworthy.

You’ll also learn about agape, the New Testament word for love that gives. It is the love God shows toward us — undeserved, costly, patient, truthful, and steady. “God so loved the world that He gave…” (John 3:16) Agape forgives, tells the truth, refuses to use people, and seeks their good even when it is hard. It is not weakness. It is strength with a spine.

Then comes phileo, the love that enjoys. Warmth. Affection. Friendship. The love that says, “I like being with you.” “Love one another with brotherly affection.” (Romans 12:10) Phileo is the laughter in a marriage, the comfort of a loyal friend, the joy of companionship inside covenant.

This episode shows how these three loves work together — how ahavah holds the bond, agape shapes the character of the relationship, and phileo keeps the heart soft. A relationship built on only one will collapse. A relationship built on all three can flourish.

You’ll also hear what these loves correct: the idea that love is only a feeling, the idea that holy love is cold, the idea that staying means losing yourself, and the idea that affection is optional. “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) God’s love teaches us how to love others without fear, without performance, and without confusion.

If you want to understand what real, biblical love looks like — in marriage, friendship, family, and the church — this episode will give you clarity, direction, and hope.

Listen, share, and stay unshaken.

I’d love to hear your thoughts or prayer requests. Feel free to send me a voice message — your heart matters here. Voicemail: https://rss.com/podcasts/unshakenfaith/voicemail/

I’d love to hear your thoughts or prayer requests. Feel free to send me a voice message — your heart matters here.