Agape
Throughout this series we’ve been looking to the different ways the word “love” is used in Scripture. As we wrap up the series, we’re going to focus on what I would argue is the most important form of love the Bible talks about and that is agape love. In Greek, the word agape is literally translated as love, but the kicker in that, is that it’s not the type of love that we often think about when we think of what it means to love. In most cases, we think of love as a feeling that is often romantic or sexual in nature, but agape love is far greater than that. Looking throughout the New Testament we see agape love in a whole different light. It’s the type of love that shifts away from feelings and is more about love in action. Not just that, but it is used to describe the love is of God, and from God, but it is also used to express the love we should have for God as well. As we jump in, let’s take a closer look at these expressions of agape love and what it looks like in our lives.
God’s Agape Love
When it comes to understanding agape love, we need to look no further than the One who created us. 1 John 4:8 doesn’t just describe God’s affection as love, it states that God is love. Essentially His character is love and for us to gain a better understanding of what that looks like we can look to Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians.
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.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
When we begin to gain this understanding of God being love and being a living example of that to us, these characteristics of Him become even more evident within real examples of our lives. He is patient with us in the midst of our sin as He withholds judgment for a time as evidenced from Ephesians 2:4-5. Furthermore, His kindness shines through in verses 6-7 by raising us up from death to life through the sacrifice of His Son. These are just a few examples of God’s love for us from this passage. If you want to explore this a little more, I wrote another blog on it, so feel free to check it out.
Another example of agape love is seen in Micah 7:18-19. The prophet Micah points out that God is not like us, not retaining His anger as He delights in steadfast love. This steadfast love extends into His compassion for us as He treads our iniquities underfoot and casts our sins into the depths of the sea. These verses are a reminder to us of the lived out sacrificial love God has shown His people in the past, and continues to show us today. It is an example that we are, then, called to live out in the way that we love those around us. The best way for us to do that is to draw near to Him as He draws near to us. Agape love is not something that comes naturally to us as broken people, so we have to be in relationship with Him to live it out to others.
The Way We Should Love
From a human perspective, agape love can often translate into our love for things of and in the world (John 3:19). It’s one of the biggest areas that we need to guard our hearts against as Christ followers. Satan wants nothing more than to entice us with “stuff” that will keep us away from God’s heart and distract us from loving others the way He calls us to. We’re reminded of that in John 13:34 when Jesus says, A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. This is our example of agape love. Beyond our understanding of the unwavering love that God shows us, He provided us with His Son. Jesus lived out this sacrificial love for us in the way that he taught and led the disciples. The ways that He cared for those in need. The ways that He healed those who were broken, and ultimately the way that He completely gave up His life for our sin.
Unnatural
In a nutshell, agape love is a heartfelt form of love that leads to lived out expressions of sacrifice, humility, compassion, kindness, care, and commitment. It’s the type of love that sets aside one's own desires to put others first, and if we’re being honest, this doesn’t come naturally to us. That’s why it is paramount to be in a passionate, pursuing relationship with our Heavenly Father above all other things. When we’re connected and chasing after Him, He’s pouring into our hearts and lives what we need to be able to pour His love back to those around us. The evidence of this is seen in the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). It’s truly where we can find our love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
If you find yourself struggling with love like this, my encouragement would be to take a step back and evaluate what’s going on in your life. Ask yourself some questions and give some honest answers. Are you in love with God (pursuing Him) the way that He’s in love with you (pursuing you)? If not, what priorities in your life need to change to make that happen? Being honest about these two questions can change not only the way that you live, but they will change the way that you love. Loving others because He first loved you.
