Supernatural Love by Praisim Peter
- Praisim Peter
- Jan 1
- 8 min read
“Everywhere I look, I see countless people, and yet everyone loves. There’s an essence of love within each of us, and I believe it’s because we are all made in the image of the One who is love. But love doesn’t end there — it goes even deeper, there is a love that's supernatural, not everyone can have this kind of love..” — Praisim Peter
"Just as the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit originate from the Holy Spirit, Agape love also originates in the Holy Spirit, in the spiritual realm" — Praisim Peter
Agape love is extraordinary in its very nature — it is 100% unconditional. Every other form of love often has a reason or condition attached, but Agape love stands apart. It is selfless, pure, and given without expecting anything in return.
It is this Agape love that transforms you into an unconditional lover like Jesus. It enables you to love others without an agenda, completely for their sake and for the glory of God. This divine love reflects the very heart of Christ, empowering us to love as He loves — sacrificially, generously, and without limits. — Praisim Peter
Introduction:
Understanding Supernatural Love: A love that only true christians who are baptized in the Holy Spirit can have!
In this message, we will explore what supernatural love truly is. The Greek word for this supernatural love is Agape — a love far beyond the ordinary.
There’s a natural love that exists within all of us, no matter our tribe, tongue, or religion. It’s a love we all experience by virtue of being human. But what I am talking about here is supernatural love — a love that only Christians who are baptized in the Holy Spirit can possess.
Without the baptism of the Holy Spirit, this supernatural Agape love cannot exist within us! My prayer and goal is that, as you read these notes and meditate on them, you will receive the full impartation of the love of Jesus — a love that transforms, empowers, and reflects the very heart of God.
Personal Reflection: The Universality of Love
In 2014, I was walking the streets of Bangalore, pondering a simple yet profound question:"How is it that everyone loves?"
I looked around at people from different walks of life, different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs — yet there was an undeniable essence of love present in each of them. It struck me that maybe there’s a type of love built into every human being.
In that moment, two scriptures came to mind:
Genesis 1:27 – "So God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them."
1 John 4:8 – "God is love."
If God created us in His image, and if God is love, then it makes sense that there is a seed of love in every person — even those who have yet to know Him. This is a natural love, a reflection of the Creator's hand on His creation.
However, while this natural love exists in everyone, there is a deeper, supernatural love — the Agape love — that only comes through the Holy Spirit. This divine love transforms us and empowers us to love selflessly and sacrificially, reflecting God’s perfect nature.
Personal Revelation: Understanding Agape and Phileo
One day, I was traveling by car with my friend, Pastor Brent Kelly, and I asked him a question that had been on my mind for a long time:"How is it that everyone loves?"
His response was profound. He said:"Not everyone can love with the love of God unless they are baptized in the Holy Spirit."
That statement boggled my mind. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for the next few months. It stirred something in me — a deep desire to understand this supernatural love. I began to search the Scriptures, reading everything I could about this kind of love.
As I studied, I came across the passage where Jesus asks Peter, "Do you love me?" (John 21:15-17). What amazed me was that:
The first two times, Jesus asks, “Do you Agape me?” — referring to the divine, selfless love.
The third time, He shifts and asks, “Do you Phileo me?” — referring to natural, brotherly love.
This subtle but powerful distinction in the Greek translations revealed something profound:There is a clear difference between Agape (divine love) and Phileo (natural love).
I continued to explore Scriptures, such as Romans 5:5, which says:"God’s love (Agape) has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit."
This love isn’t something we can achieve on our own. Agape love is only possible through the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. It is a supernatural love that goes beyond human affection or friendship.
I also discovered many verses that refer to Phileo love — love that comes naturally from human relationships. The distinction was clear: while Phileo reflects human affection, Agape reflects God’s divine nature within us.
This revelation ignited a passion in me to ensure that I was walking in Agape love — the love that only the Holy Spirit can impart. My prayer for you today is that you, too, will receive this supernatural love and experience the fullness of God’s heart.
Understanding Phileo (φιλέω) – Natural, Brotherly Love
Phileo is a Greek word for a type of love that is characterized by affection, friendship, and connection. It is often described as brotherly love and represents the natural bonds and emotional ties we experience in human relationships. Unlike Agape, which is divine and self-sacrificial, Phileo love is based on shared experiences, personal connection, and mutual feelings.
Here are the different types of relationships where Phileo love exists:
1. Family Relationships
Between Parents and Children:The bond of love and affection between a mother and her child or a father and his child is a clear example of Phileo love.
Example: A mother caring for her child’s needs or comforting them when they are hurt.
Between Siblings:The love between brothers and sisters often includes deep affection, loyalty, and shared experiences.
Example: Siblings supporting each other through life’s challenges.
2. Friendships
Close Friends:The emotional connection and loyalty shared between best friends or lifelong friends reflect Phileo love.
Example: Friends who celebrate each other’s successes or stand by each other in tough times.
Companionship and Camaraderie:The bond formed through shared activities or common goals, such as teammates, colleagues, or classmates.
Example: Teammates who encourage each other and celebrate victories together.
3. Romantic Relationships
Initial Stages of Romance:While romantic relationships can grow into Eros love, the early stages of romance are often characterized by Phileo love — feelings of affection, connection, and mutual enjoyment.
Example: Couples who share common interests and enjoy each other’s company.
4. Community and Social Bonds
Neighborly Affection:The love and kindness we extend to neighbors or members of our community based on mutual respect and shared experiences.
Example: Helping a neighbor with a task or joining community events.
Workplace Bonds:The respect and friendship developed between colleagues or mentors and mentees.
Example: A supportive work environment where people care for each other’s well-being.
5. Even Among Animals
Parental Bonds in Animals:Animals display nurturing behavior towards their offspring, reflecting a form of natural love similar to Phileo.
Example: A mother lion protecting and caring for her cubs.
Companionship Among Animals:Animals can form close bonds with each other or with humans.
Example: Dogs who show loyalty and affection to their owners or to other pets.
Conclusion
Phileo love is a natural, emotional affection that forms the foundation of many of our relationships. It brings warmth, connection, and meaning to our lives, but it remains distinct from Agape love, which is the selfless, divine love imparted by the Holy Spirit. As Christians, while we cherish and nurture Phileo love, we are called to seek the deeper, transformative power of Agape love in our lives.
Agape vs Phileo: Understanding Divine and Natural Love
Introduction: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Supernatural Love
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is what brings supernatural love into our hearts. The first fruit of the Holy Spirit is LOVE — not just any love, but Agape love. This divine love is poured into us through the Spirit, enabling us to love in a way that reflects God’s very nature.
Let’s explore the Scriptures that reveal the distinction between Agape and Phileo love.
1. Agape (ἀγάπη) – Divine Love Through the Holy Spirit
Romans 5:5"God’s love (ἀγάπη) has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
Galatians 5:22"But the fruit of the Spirit is love (ἀγάπη), joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness..."
1 John 4:7"Dear friends, let us love (ἀγαπῶμεν) one another, for love (ἀγάπη) comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God."
1 John 4:12-13"No one has ever seen God; but if we love (ἀγαπῶμεν) one another, God lives in us and his love (ἀγάπη) is made complete in us. This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit."
2 Timothy 1:7"For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love (ἀγάπη), and self-discipline."
Ephesians 3:16-19"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being... And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love (ἀγάπη), may have power... to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love (ἀγάπη) of Christ."
2. General Agape (ἀγάπη) Scriptures
John 3:16"For God so loved (ἀγάπησεν) the world that he gave his one and only Son..."
Matthew 22:37-39"Love (ἀγαπήσεις) the Lord your God with all your heart... Love (ἀγαπήσεις) your neighbor as yourself."
1 Corinthians 13:4-8"Love (ἀγάπη) is patient, love (ἀγάπη) is kind..."
1 John 4:8"Whoever does not love (ἀγαπᾷ) does not know God, because God is love (ἀγάπη)."
John 13:34"A new command I give you: Love (ἀγαπᾶτε) one another. As I have loved (ἠγάπησα) you..."
Romans 5:8"But God demonstrates his own love (ἀγάπην) for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
1 John 4:18"There is no fear in love (ἀγάπῃ). But perfect love (ἀγάπη) drives out fear..."
3. Phileo (φιλέω) – Natural, Brotherly Love
John 11:36"Then the Jews said, 'See how he loved (ἐφίλει) him!'"
John 5:20"For the Father loves (φιλεῖ) the Son and shows him all he does."
John 21:17"Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, 'Do you love (φιλεῖς) me?'"
James 4:4"Anyone who chooses to be a friend (φίλος) of the world becomes an enemy of God."
John 12:25"Anyone who loves (φιλῶν) their life will lose it."
John 16:27"The Father himself loves (φιλεῖ) you because you have loved (πεφιλήκατε) me..."
Conclusion
Agape (ἀγάπη) is divine love, imparted by the Holy Spirit, characterized by selflessness, sacrifice, and God’s very essence. It is the highest form of love, reflecting God’s nature and empowering us to love beyond our human limitations.
Phileo (φιλέω) is natural, brotherly love that comes from human relationships, emotions, and affections.
As believers, we are called to walk in Agape love — a love we cannot manifest without the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This supernatural love is what sets us apart, enabling us to love as Christ loves.
My prayer is that you will be filled with the Holy Spirit and experience the fullness of Agape love, transforming your life and the lives around you.
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