Agape.
We are called to love one another, but what is agape love? Agape love is different from the love between friends, or family. It is not of human origin. This kind of love is unconditional and from God alone.
The word agape is a Greek word that means love. It is the form of love used in 1John 4:7-12:
Dear friends, let us love (agape) one another, for love (agape) comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
In this passage, we are not being told to love because it’s easy, or because you like the person. It is saying simply to love because God loves you. God loves you even though you have denied him, even though you ignored him, even though you put others before him, even though you’ve sinned again and again. Even so, Christ gave up his life for you. He died for a world that is constantly against him.
Why then, is it so difficult for us to love one another? God’s love is agape. God’s love is sacrificial. Whether it be sacrificing life or sacrificing convenience, we are to have this same kind of love for others.
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2
The world seems to be spiraling out of our control. The problem is that we were trying to control it in the first place. The control should be given to God. Our job is simple. Love and forgive… and when you or others mess up… forgive and love again… and again… and again.
There seems to be a constant stream of horrifying news stories lately and it’s becoming harder and harder to find love. So more than ever, we need to be the love in the situation. Even if you don’t agree, love anyway. Live righteously and try to align your life with the way that God intends you to live, but don’t sit in the seat of judgement. If you really want to change the world, be the light and show love.
Agape.
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