The Theological Virtues | The 7 Virtues
Love is the deepest human capacity — the force that drives connection, sacrifice, creation, and meaning.
The Greeks were smarter than us about love — they had multiple words for it:
- Eros — romantic, passionate love. The fire that draws two people together. Powerful but unstable on its own.
- Philia — friendship love. The bond between equals who share values, interests, and mutual respect. Aristotle considered this the highest form.
- Storge — familial love. The natural affection between parent and child, between siblings. Quiet and deep.
- Agape — unconditional love. Love that asks nothing in return. Love for humanity, for strangers, for those who can offer you nothing. This is the love that spiritual traditions elevate above all others.
What love requires:
- Vulnerability — you can’t love without risking hurt. The depth of love is proportional to the depth of risk.
- Attention — love is, at its most practical, sustained attention to another person. Noticing what they need, what they feel, what they’re going through.
- Action — love is a verb, not just a feeling. It shows up in what you do, not just what you say. Making dinner. Showing up. Following through.
- Patience — love endures. Not everything, not abuse — but the normal friction of two imperfect humans sharing a life.
Love is also something you practice toward yourself. Not narcissism — genuine self-care. Taking care of your body, your mind, your growth. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
The deepest insight about love: it’s not a resource that depletes with use. The more you give, the more you have. It’s the only thing that multiplies by being divided.
Related: compassion, Kindness, Charity