In our modern world, we are bombarded with a version of “love” that is almost entirely driven by Eros. We see it in movies, hear it in chart-topping songs, and feel it in the “spark” of a new relationship. But as Christians, we often wonder: Where does this intense, romantic passion fit into a life of faith?
What is Eros?
Eros (pronounced AIR-ose) is the Greek word for romantic or sexual love. It encompasses:
- Attraction: The physical and emotional pull toward another person.
- Passion: The intense “fire” or chemistry that characterizes romance.
- Desire: The longing for emotional and physical intimacy.
While the word eros doesn’t actually appear in the New Testament (the writers preferred agape or phileo to emphasize God’s nature), the concept is woven throughout Scripture. God is the architect of romance; He didn’t just create us for survival, He created us for delight.
Biblical History: The Garden and the Song
The history of Eros begins in Genesis 2. When God presented Eve to Adam, Adam didn’t give a clinical handshake. He broke into poetry: “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh!” That was the first spark of Eros—a God-given recognition of beauty and connection.
The most profound look at Eros is found in the Song of Solomon. This book is a beautiful, sometimes startlingly graphic, celebration of romantic love between a husband and wife. It teaches us that:
- Eros is good: It is a gift meant to be enjoyed.
- Eros is exclusive: It is a “sealed fountain” meant for the covenant of marriage.
- Eros is powerful: It is described as a “flame of the Lord” that many waters cannot quench (Song of Solomon 8:6-7).
The Anchor: Ephesians 5:25
Passion without a blueprint eventually burns itself out. That is why Paul gives us the ultimate “gold standard” for romantic relationships:
”Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave himself up for her.” — Ephesians 5:25
While Eros is about desire, this verse introduces Agape (sacrificial love). For Eros to be healthy and lasting, it must be anchored in sacrifice. If you only love your partner because of how they make you feel (Eros), your love will falter when the feelings fade. But when your passion is guided by a commitment to serve them as Christ serves the Church, Eros becomes a beautiful, lifelong flame.
Reflection: Is Love Leading You—Or is God?
Eros is a wonderful servant but a terrible master. When we let our “feelings” or “attractions” dictate our moral choices, we often end up in places God never intended for us.
Engage in the conversation now as we learn from each other now.
Consider these questions today:
- Does my romantic desire draw me closer to God’s standards, or does it tempt me to compromise them?
- Am I seeking the “feeling” of being in love more than I am seeking the Person who is Love?
- Am I willing to submit my passions to the lordship of Jesus?