What is Agape Love?
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Meaning: agape, Greek agapē, in the New Testament, the fatherly love of God for humans, as well as the human reciprocal love for God.
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
Agape love is love that comes from God. God’s love is undeserved, sacrificial, selfless, and unconditional. God sent His Son to earth to die for our sins so we may be forgiven. A selfless act of the character of God. We are to love God and others with agape love. Agape is a pure, willful, sacrificial love.
Agape or its verb is mentioned over 200 times in the Bible. Some of these references are:
"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." 1 John 4:8
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." 1 John 3:16
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails...And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13
"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." Romans 12:10
"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." Romans 5:5
WAYS WE CAN SHOW AGAPE LOVE
PRAY - Pray for everyone including your enemies. Your enemies are a creation of God. Praying for them and wanting the best for them shows agape love.
VOLUNTEER - Give your time to someone in need - homeless, elderly, a broken neighbour, children.
SUPPORT - Encourage people, cheer someone on, send an encouraging email.
ATTENTION - Give someone your full attention. Be a good listener.
SMILE - Even a smile can cheer someone up.
Agape love is not easy for us as it doesn't come naturally. Let's show love to each other regardless of flaws or short comings - we all have those. Agape love is about giving to others, sacrificing our time, energy, and resources for someone else without expecting anything in return.
1 comment
More than ever “Agape Love” is needed for these times we are living through. May Holy Spirit continue to
help me see the need for Jesus in others and help me pray for them.