AGAPE is the first fruit listed on the ‘Fruit of the Spirit’ list in Galatians.
If you recall, last month we started the ‘Fruit of the Spirit” series with an overview. During the next 9 months we will look at each fruit individually.
As noted above, love is the first fruit on the list – note it is agape love. Makes sense. After all, “……. God is love” (1 John 4:8 NCV). And the Bible tells us: “So these three things continue forever: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NCV).
LOVE LANGUAGES
Most of us have heard of the book by Gary Chapman: “Love Languages.” It was written primarily for couples, but has morphed into a series of books that help us love the people in our lives in a way that speaks to them individually.
I like the concept and think that the quiz does identify my love language. However, sometimes it simplifies things too much. I like pasta and it sustains for a while, but eventually you need other types of food for health and to avoid boredom!
As I studied love in the Bible and….
DID YOU KNOW THERE ARE BIBLICAL LOVE LANGUAGES?
Eros: romantic love, sexual attraction, e.g. Song of Songs
Storge: Family love, e.g. Mary, Martha, and Lazarus
Philia: Friendship love, e.g. Dorcas with her hospitable home for people to work and socialize together
Agape: Pure, unconditional, sacrificial love. Divine Love e.g., Jesus
In the ‘fruit of the spirit” list agape is the word used for love and that is the focus of this article.
Agape is the highest of the four types of love in the Bible. This term defines God’s immeasurable, incomparable love for human kind. It is the divine love that comes from God. Of course, Jesus demonstrated this love to His father and humanity as he obediently gave Himself up to save us from our sin.
It seems like agape style love is something only God can express, but is it?
SURPRISINGLY, JESUS HAD A LOT TO SAY ABOUT AGAPE STYLE LOVE
If you want to read some Scripture where Jesus used agape when referring to love check out:
Matthew 24: 12-13 where He says keeping the faith is part of agape style love.
In Luke 10: 27-28 and Matthew 5:44, Jesus confirms that loving God wholeheartedly and loving others as we love ourselves is needed to express agape, including praying for our enemies!
In Luke 11:42 and Matthew 5:44 Jesus explains agape as pursuing justice and being obedient.
Jesus also taught about our practicing agape love in the parables.
The father showed agape love to his prodigal son. Are you willing to forgive the unforgivable? (Luke 15: 11-32)
The Lost Sheep parable teaches that we must be willing to sacrifice time and effort to find and minister to the lost and not just hang around with other Christians. Willingness to lead people to Christ is a major part of agape love. (Matthew 18: 12-14)
Of course, the most well known parable: The Good Samaritan! Certainly this was agape love. The Samaritan sacrificed time, money, health, and safety. What about you?
APPARENTLY, NOT ONLY IS AGAPE LOVE POSSIBLE FOR US, JESUS EXPECTS IT OF US!
So, what does Romans 5:5 mean?
“And this hope will never disappoint us, because God has poured out His love to fill our hearts. He gave us His love through the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to us” (Romans 5:5 NCV).
Therefore, agape love is not natural for us, but it comes from the Holy Spirit who lives in us. AKA: Live by the fruit of the Spirit.
JOHN 21: 15-19 IS AN EXAMPLE TO HELP US UNDERSTAND
Peter had denied Jesus three times. After Jesus rose He approached Peter and asked him three times if he loved Him. What word did Jesus use? That is right agape.
Peter answered YES three times. In fact, Peter was exasperated by the time he said YES the third time. What word for love did Peter use to express his affection for Jesus? It was Philia.
Nevertheless, Jesus used the word when asking about Peter’s love. Why? Could it be that Jesus recognized that Peter would mature and grow into a deeper, more sacrificial love for Jesus, especially after receiving the Holy Spirit?
Of course, we know Peter did just that. Peter showed that kind of love for Jesus and the people at Pentecost. No fear when speaking the truth to thousands of people, which was risky at this time. He continued to be bold throughout the remainder of his life and ministry because he overflowed with the Holy Spirit leading, encouraging, and teaching him along the way.
TO LEARN MORE CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO:
Also, this month we celebrate Easter. Check out: Easter, Got Questions?
