In Romans 12:9-10, Paul uses three different Greek words for love to describe the love that Christians should have for one another.  He says, “Let love be genuine …  Love one another with brotherly affection.”  The first word that he uses is Agape.  This is used to describe the love God has for Son, Jesus, and His people.  It is also used to describe the love between a husband and a wife.  It is a love that keeps loving even if the other person acts unlovable at times. The second word for love that is used is Philostorgos.  This is used to describe a deep love that is between life-long friends. The final word, Paul uses is Philadelphia which is translated as brotherly love.  It is a love that we would have between brothers and sisters.  

Paul is saying that what should characterize the church is a deep abiding love one for another. The only way we can do this is to become a disciple of Jesus Christ who taught us to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him. If I am self-absorbed, I cannot love this way. The church is the place where I feel the most secure because it is here that I find the most love.  The love we have for one another should be our testimony to the world.