In the New Testament Greek, agapē (ἀγάπη) often refers to self-giving love, oriented towards the blessing of the beloved — prominent in Paul's letters and the Gospel of John. This does not mean that every instance of "love" translates to agapē, nor does it imply that other words (philia, storgē, erōs in the broader Greek culture) are without value — context determines.
Hesed: covenantal love
The Hebrew word hesed (often translated as "lovingkindness," "faithful love") is associated with covenant: God keeps His word even when humanity is unfaithful. The Psalms extol God's hesed as “enduring forever.” The Old Testament passages with this term help to show that agapē in the New Testament does not arise from nothing but inherits the faithfulness of God as expressed in the history of Israel.
Ministry application
Do not use “agapē” to diminish friendship or familial love — Christianity sanctifies all true love. Also, do not use “biblical love” to justify contrary teachings on fornication and justice; Christ's love is tied to truth and holiness (see the letter discussing love in the Biblical theme of the site).
The Psalms as a “school” of hesed
Readers who wish to experience hesed should spend time with Psalms 51, 89, 136 — each has its own rhythm (repentance, lament, thanksgiving) but all return to the faithfulness of the Lord. There is no need to know Hebrew: simply take time with the translation, underline each occurrence of the phrase “lovingkindness / faithful love” and ask: how is God faithful here?
Agapē and concrete charity
The letter discussing love does not replace action: agapē calls for good deeds towards the unlikable, the poor, enemies — in the true sense of “self-giving” rather than remaining in soft emotions. This terminology intentionally does not reiterate lengthy definitions from the Catechism; you can refer to the section on love in the CCC alongside your study.
Two languages, one faithful God
Do not separate hesed (Old Testament) and agapē (New Testament) into two opposing “types of love” as if they represent two different Gods — that is the ancient error of Marcion which the Church rejected. In liturgical prayer, both nuances merge into one prayer: giving thanks for lovingkindness and asking to be filled with new love in Christ.
