Raya, Ahava, & Dod are three different Hebrew words that mean love. There are, in total, 7 Hebrew words that mean love. The language differentiates between the different types/levels of love, as opposed to the English language, in which love is used to describe one’s feelings for ice cream as well as Jesus Christ.
RAYA: Friendship
It’s not all about “she’s hot.” Hell is hot. Physical attraction will wane. You want to be able to wake up next to your Raya, your friend, everyday, and know that you are loved just the same.
AHAVA: Commitment
Living together is a test drive. Ahava is not about test drives. It is about a ferocious love. The I’m not going anywhere kind of love. The I know that I’ll screw up and you’ll still be there for me kind of love. It’s NOT I’ll be with you for as long as you make me feel good, but once you’re dull, etc, I’m out. The Bible describes love as “suffering long…” as opposed to the world that paints love as a picture of tingly, giddy feelings…for “the one.” There is no “one”…that exists along with leprechauns, oompa loompas, and unicorns. We’re all fixer-uppers. Ahava anchors you down to the one you love.
DOD: Intimacy…
…When Raya and Ahava are present. When they are not, that is when intimacy can go very wrong. Dod is a source of comfort, connection, and pleasure. Dod is a gift from God.
