Week #4: Agape
Blog Series Intention Recap
This four-week series for February focuses on Love. Love makes up a major topic in the Bible, which is fitting because Christianity is a faith centered on love, and God Himself is love. As it says in 1 John 4:8, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." In the ancient world, there were many words for different kinds of love, and many of these are mentioned in the Bible. For Christians, four main types of love are significant: agapē (self-sacrificial love), storgē (family love), philia (friendship love), and eros (romantic love).
This post is part of the series “Loves: Defined in the Bible.” Click here to check out the other posts.
Let’s jump into Week #4:
Agapē, the divine love exemplified by God's self-sacrifice, is the cornerstone of the gospel, transforming relationships and inspiring profound acts of love and forgiveness..
Why It Matters
Ken Boa describes the essence of agapē as divine love, characterized by selflessness, unconditionality, and sacrificial giving. It reflects God's steady intention for the highest good of others, exemplifying the ultimate source of love.
Despite its noble nature, agapē can be challenging for humans due to our inherent selfishness. Thomas Merton highlights the selfless nature of love, emphasizing its focus on the good of the beloved above one's own desires.
Galatians 5:14 underscores the importance of agapē love in fulfilling the entire law. Loving others as oneself, regardless of their actions or worthiness, reflects God's love for humanity and is integral to our relationship with Him.
The gospel narrative epitomizes agapē love, from God's sacrificial sending of Jesus to Jesus's obedience in the garden of Gethsemane and his resurrection. Paul's message to Timothy reaffirms the centrality of Christ's self-sacrifice in the gospel.
Going Deeper
Agapē: The Heart of the Gospel
Agapē, the highest form of love, transcends human understanding. It is a divine love that reflects God's nature and serves as the foundation of the gospel message. In exploring the essence of agapē, we uncover heavy insights into the nature of love, sacrifice, and redemption.
Ken Boa eloquently defines agapē as divine love—an unselfish, sacrificial love that seeks the highest good of others. This love, exemplified by God's character, is unconditional and unwavering, driving Him to give His Son for the salvation of humanity. It is the pinnacle of love, surpassing all other forms of affection.
Agapē in the Gospel
The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of agapē love in our relationships with others. Galatians 5:14 succinctly summarizes the entire law as fulfilled in loving one's neighbor as oneself. This command underscores the foundational role of agapē in Christian ethics, challenging us to extend love and grace to all, regardless of merit.
Agapē love shines brightly throughout the gospel narrative, illustrating God's profound care for humanity. It begins with God's sacrificial act of sending Jesus to Earth, a manifestation of His boundless love for us. Jesus, in turn, exemplifies agapē through his unwavering obedience, particularly evident in the garden of Gethsemane where he surrenders his will to the Father's plan, demonstrating his selfless devotion to humanity's redemption. The pinnacle of agapē is witnessed in Jesus's resurrection, symbolizing the triumph of love over death and the restoration of hope for all mankind. Paul's message to Timothy underscores the foundational importance of Christ's self-sacrifice in the gospel, highlighting how Jesus's ultimate act of love serves as the cornerstone of Christian faith and salvation.
Despite its divine origin, practicing agapē love can be challenging for humans. In his book, No Man is an Island, Thomas Merton states, ““Love not only prefers the good of another to my own, but it does not even compare the two. It has only one good, that of the beloved. ... To love another is to will what is really good for him.” Merton emphasizes the selfless nature of love, which requires us to prioritize the well-being of others above our desires. Our sinful inclinations often lead us towards selfishness, making it difficult to embody the sacrificial love of agapē.
The gospel narrative illustrates the essence of agapē love. From God's sacrificial sending of His Son to Jesus's obedient sacrifice on the cross, every aspect of the gospel reflects God's boundless love for humanity. Paul's message to Timothy reaffirms the centrality of Christ's self-sacrifice in the gospel, underscoring the transformative power of agapē.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
In the summer before my sophomore year in college, my reading bug kicked into high gear. I became enamored with the Inklings, a literary group including C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. I read through all of the Middle Earth books. Then I moved on to Narnia. At moments, literature mirrors the timeless truths of agapē love. C.S. Lewis's "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" presents a powerful allegory of sacrificial love through Aslan's willingness to lay down his life for Edmund, despite his faults.
In "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe," Edmund's betrayal unfolds when he succumbs to the temptations of the White Witch, Jadis, by betraying his siblings and aligning himself with her. His actions lead to dire consequences, including endangering his siblings and the realm of Narnia itself. However, despite Edmund's betrayal, Aslan, the noble lion and true king of Narnia, demonstrates the epitome of sacrificial love by offering himself in Edmund's place to satisfy the demands of the Deep Magic and redeem Edmund from his transgressions. Aslan's voluntary sacrifice serves as a pivotal moment of redemption and forgiveness, highlighting the transformative power of love and selflessness in overcoming darkness and restoring hope to Narnia.
This reminder of the transformative impact of agapē love has helped children, adults, and me to understand and know Jesus’ love for us better. From being the lion who roars to the sacrificial lamb who lays down his life, I loved Aslan. Lewis was known for his letter-writing. A mom writing Lewis was concerned because her little boy had confided in her that he loved Aslan more than he loved Jesus. Lewis replied to her to allay her concerns.
I know how Laurence felt.
How does this help me to understand, “Loves?”
Agapē, the divine love exemplified by God's self-sacrifice, lies at the heart of the gospel message. By understanding and embodying this profound love, we can cultivate deeper relationships, extend grace and forgiveness, and ultimately reflect the transformative power of God's love in our lives and the world. As we celebrate and thank God for His amazing love, I pray we are inspired to practice agapē in all aspects of our lives, fulfilling the greatest commandment to love one another even as He has loved us.
Practicing Agapē in Daily Life
In our daily lives, practicing agapē love as encouraged by Ken Boa can deeply impact our interactions and relationships. Despite the complexities and conflicts we encounter, agapē empowers us to love unconditionally and extend forgiveness freely, mirroring the boundless love and forgiveness we receive from God. Here are some examples of how we can practice agapē in our daily lives:
Putting Others First: Prioritize the needs and well-being of others above our own desires and interests.
Acts of Kindness: Engage in small acts of kindness and generosity towards others, expecting nothing in return.
Forgiving Freely: Let go of grudges and resentments, choosing to forgive others even when they may not deserve it.
Listening with Empathy: Take the time to listen attentively to others, seeking to understand their perspectives and feelings without judgment.
Supporting and Encouraging: Offer support and encouragement to those going through difficult times, being a source of comfort and strength.
Showing Compassion: Show compassion and empathy towards those who are hurting or marginalized, extending a helping hand and a compassionate heart.
Resolving Conflicts Peacefully: Approach conflicts with a spirit of humility and reconciliation, seeking resolution and restoration rather than escalation.
Being Patient and Understanding: Practice patience and understanding towards others, recognizing that everyone has their struggles and imperfections.
Praying for Others: Lift others in prayer, interceding for their needs and well-being, and asking for God's guidance and blessing in their lives.
By embodying agapē love in these practical ways, we can cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships and contribute to creating a more compassionate and loving community around us.
