Storge: Family Love

Christian author Jack Zavada tells us that Storge (Pronounced: STOR-jay) is a Greek word that describes family love, the affectionate bond that develops naturally between parents and children, and brothers and sisters. The family unit and the love that emanates from families is a key source of strength to ward off evil. Jesus gave us a wonderful example of Storge love within His Holy Family.

Many examples of family love are found in Scripture, such as the mutual protection among Noah and his wife, the love of Jacob for his sons, and the strong love the sisters Martha and Mary had for their brother Lazarus in John 11. In seeing his “brother” Lazarus, Jesus wept and rolled away the stone. Lazarus, come out!

Christians are members of God’s family. Our lives are knit together by something stronger than physical ties—the bonds of the Spirit. We are related by something more powerful than human blood—the blood of Jesus Christ. God calls his children to love each other with the deep affection of storge love. The next devotion will highlight Philia: Brotherly Love.