Storge

“Storge” (pronounced stor-JAY) refers to the natural love and affection shared within a family. It’s the bond between parents and children, siblings, and extended family members. This type of love is often characterised by:

• Unconditional Acceptance: Storge is a love that accepts family members for who they are, flaws and all. It’s not based on performance or achievements, but rather on the inherent connection of kinship.
• Nurturing and Care: Storge is a love that seeks to provide for and protect loved ones. It involves a natural instinct to care for family members, especially those who are vulnerable or in need.
• Loyalty and Commitment: Storge is a love that endures through challenges and hardships. It’s a commitment to stand by family members through thick and thin, offering support and encouragement.

While the word “storge” itself is not found in the Bible, the concept of familial love is deeply ingrained in Christian teachings.

• The Bible emphasises the importance of honouring and respecting parents (Exodus 20:12).
• It commands parents to love and discipline their children (Ephesians 6:4).
• It encourages believers to love one another as brothers and sisters in Christ (Romans 12:10).

Storge is a foundation for building strong families and communities, and it can serve as a model for how we should love and care for others, even those outside our immediate family.

Furthermore, Christians believe that God’s love for humanity is the ultimate example of storge. Just as a parent loves their child unconditionally, God loves us with a perfect love that transcends all understanding. This divine storge is a source of comfort, security, and hope for all who believe.