06/10/2020
What does it mean to love?
It’s an honest, and deep question we all need to examine from time to time. As Christ followers, we are shown a deeper love that confuses the world- a love only shown by God.
In Greek, this love is called “Agape,” (one of several different types of love) in secular (meaning separate from church/God) books and articles, Agape is described as “mysterious,” when attempting to stretch it into non-religious viewpoints. In general, it’s difficult and doesn’t fit—because it misses the biggest piece that makes that love so special.
It misses God.
Agape is the highest form of love; a sacred love that God holds for us as His children. We are His masterpiece, created for good things! (Eph 2:10)
The bible also explains that to know real, true, love is to know God- because He IS love. (1 John 4:8) So to first love deeply, as we are called, we must love God.
As simple as it sounds, love can definitely hold so many emotions and struggles since we live in a fallen world. Loving each other deeply, as God does, requires a lot of grace, patience, and perseverance—because in general, none of us have earned that kind of love. We are imperfect people who mess up, get distracted, or fall away.
Life (and subsequently, love,) is messy.
But the beautiful thing about God is that He loves us anyways. No matter your struggles, worries, doubts, or anything you can think of takes away God’s agape love for you. He already forgave you for everything you have done and will do, because our debts were already paid.
With God’s love in mind, I want to encourage you to love just as deeply, and passionately for all those around you, especially in a world filled with strife and sorrow. The best thing we can do is turn to people with love and kindness, not wrath and bitterness.
