What Is Agape Love and How to Express It
The word love is complex, wide, but beautiful. We all experience love. It is a feeling of deep care that you have for your family, friends, pets, and partner.
We feel all sorts of different things, but they’re all important to us. Have you heard of the term love agape? It is a term that some people use to describe the highest form of love that a person can feel. Now the question is which of these types of love is agape love?
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What is agape love?
The first thing we need to know is what agape love is.
Agape love is one of the concepts of love in ancient Greek philosophy. It is also the highest form of love.
It is a kind of love that is considered universal and selfless.
This type of love is characterized by giving what you can without expecting anything in return. You love, care, and sacrifice, no matter what the other person shows.
That’s when you think a lot about the happiness and well-being of others. Biblical love agape means selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial love.
We consider it the highest form of love because it is the kind of love God has given us. The love He showed us when He gave us His son and when His son, Jesus Christ, sacrificed himself for all of us.
Bible verses about agape love
Since we now know the biblical meaning of agape, it’s time to meditate on the holy book on agape love.
Here are some beautiful verses about agape love in the bible.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, ESV)
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35, ESV)
“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.” (1 John 3:16, ESV)
“I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17:23, ESV)
These are just examples of agape love that we can find in the bible.
Is agape, unconditional love?
The real Agape kind of love is unconditional. In fact, it might be the most perfect word to describe the highest form of love. It is given freely without having to ask for anything in return. It is a selfless love and will not be subject to any kind of conditions.
According to Christian theology, God’s love for humanity is an agape love, independent of any of our actions or abilities.
How do you express agape love?
When we think of agape as a sacred Christian concept, we may want to ask, “How do we express such divine love?”
Indeed, the idea of being able to put the needs and well-being of others before your own sounds impossible, but it is not. Here are some ways to show agape love:
1. Be able to serve others without expecting anything in return
You can volunteer at a shelter or offer to help a homeless person.
2. Choose forgiveness
One of the hardest but best examples of agape love is forgiveness. Don’t just do it for others, do it for yourself. Let go of hatred, bitterness, and the need for revenge.
3. Offer to listen
Agape love can show up in small acts of kindness like listening. When you have a loved one who needs someone to talk to, be there.
4. Be willing to sacrifice
Agape love can require sacrifice. It could be your time, your hobbies, your money, or even your job. You choose to sacrifice yourself for the one you love, for example your children.
5. Patience
Yes, even patience is an expression of agape love. It means you can extend your patience, grace, and understanding.
Expressions of agape love can manifest themselves in many ways. It often involves selfless acts that put the needs and well-being of others first and do it from your heart.