“Love” in 1 John
I know that in Greek there are several different words that are, in English, translated simply as "love." In the book of 1st John the English word "love" is used a lot and I'm wondering if there is any way for someone, like me, who doesn't read Greek, to know which "love" word God is using in each verse. I have the Inerlinear NASB-NIV Parallel N.T. in Greek and English, so perhaps that could help me. I also have a friend in her 70's who was raised in Greece and reads both the ancient and modern Greek. Occasionally I have asked for her help.
In all the verses in 1 John that speak of “love,” the apostle John used the Greek word “agape.” That word describes a deep, unselfish and purposeful love for another person.
All those usages encourage us with the message that God loves us. We, then, love God and others.