Last thursday we looked briefly at the different types of love, where i invited you to meditate on the words and the scripture reference. Now, we will explore each type of love, one by one, week by week.
The first type of love I want to explore with you is Agape love:
Agape love is Self-Sacrificing, Divine Love.
Greek: Agápē (ἀγάπη)
Closest Hebrew idea: אַהֲבָה — Ahavah (general love, but often used covenantally when describing God)
This is the highest form of love: unconditional, volitional, not based on emotion.
Key Scriptures:
“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
— Epistle to the Romans 5:8
“God is love.”
— First Epistle of John 4:8
Now, what does ‘’God is love’’ mean in this context?
It means:
Love that gives without requiring return. The love that chooses, even at cost.
Many theologians call this the love of the Cross.
Looking to the cross, we see agape love in full bloom at work here. Christ sacrificed Himself, once for all, even for those who would not believe.
Are we called to Agape love ourselves?
Well…yes, the bible is clear on this very thing.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
John 13:34
We arent to just receive agape love, or reserve for God alone, but to live and walk in Agape love.
As we can see Christ set the standard of agape love in His own sacrifice as an example and commands us to do the same:
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
Gospel of John 15:13
Not just literal martyrdom per se, but also in practical daily life, such as self-denial, serving behind the scenes, staying when leaving seems easier, and faithfulness in covenant.
*A note: this does not condone staying in or tolerating abusive relationships of any kind, as Jesus Himself withdrew from hostile crowds. Agape love is self-sacrificial, NOT self-destructive.
Last thoughts, agape love invites us UPWARD, to love in a way that is beyond normal human capacity as our natures are more inclined to be selfish. Being Born again Christians, indwelled by the Holy Spirit of God, we are given new natures and enabled by His Spriit to love as He does.
So let us go forward in not only receiving His love and being loved well, but in loving others well also. Some practical ways you can show agape love in your day-to-day this week:
Choosing patience over, reacting
Practice costly kindness (bring a meal, check in on someone forgotten, offer childcare etc)
Forgive even if the apology is weak or missing
Give without needing recognition
Tell the truth GENTLY
Love the difficult people
Stay even when it's hard (after a funeral, during a depression moment, through a long recovery)
Remember also to not pour from an empty cup, but spend time alone with God this week also to be able to pour out His love to others.
Next thursday we look at Philieo love. Stay tuned!
Closing Scripture:
“Be imitators of God… and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us.”
Ephesians 5:1–2
