Love is the foundation of all the fruits of the Spirit.
We are called to love God and love others as ourselves. Love is not just an emotion, but an action that we show towards others. We can display love by serving others, forgiving others, and putting their needs before our own.
Agape is a Greek word that has a rich and complex meaning. The Bible describes it as a fruit of the Spirit. We often translate the word as “love,” but it has a deeper meaning than the English word can convey. Agape is a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love that seeks the highest good of others. It is a love based on a deep sense of compassion and concern for others.
The concept of agape is central to Christian theology and is often associated with the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the word agape to describe the love that God has for humanity and that Christians should have for one another. In John 13:34-35, Jesus says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”
The Importance of Agape
The apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of agape in his letters to the early Christian church. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul writes, “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal … 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.”
Healthy Reflection
If we were to insert our name into 1 Corinthian 13 for healthy reflection (not morbid introspection), how would we fare? I suspect that each of us may fail in at least one or two. But that’s where the power of the Holy Spirit is who pours into our heart the love of God (Romans 5:5). It is His will that we reflect more of the character and love of God in our world.
“Have Your way in us so we might reflect more of Christ’s love to this world.”
More Resources:
https://godeeperministries.com/radio/ (Sproule/McGee/Lutzer/Unshackled and more)
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