Love
What is Biblical love?
Love as we know it in human terms is a sappy, sentimental emotion. But what is the love of God? Is it this same emotion or is it something different? In the New Testament, the Greek word agape is used when speaking of God’s love as well as the love He commands us to give to others. What is this agape love if not simple emotion? Agape is defined as a motivation for action that we are free to choose or reject. Agape love is a sacrificial love; unconditional commitment; always to the benefit of the other regardless of any benefit or risk to oneself. This is the love God has for people as is evidenced by His sending His Son to suffer our punishment on the cross. It is the love Jesus has for people shown in His willingly choosing to go to the cross, take on the sins of the world, shed His blood and die as a substitutionary sacrifice in payment for our sins. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only-begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love with which He loved us 5 (even when we were dead in sins) has made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved),…It is the love a husband is to have toward his wife. Ephesians 5:33 But also let everyone of you in particular so love his wife even as himself, and the wife that she defers to her husband…This is the same love we are called to show one another. Not just our friends or family members but also to our neighbors and enemies. Leviticus 19:18 You shall not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Jehovah. Matthew 22:37 Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you, Luke 6:27 But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who despitefully use you. Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return. And your reward shall be great, and you shall be the sons of the Highest. For He is kind to the unthankful and to the evil…Family may be the easiest to show this kind of love to. Next may be the closest of friends. But what about other friends, neighbors, the stranger on the street, or one you call enemy? Obviously we do not “feel” love for all of these people. But, remember our definition…this love starts with a choice. While we do not necessarily “feel” love, we choose to display it. Why should we when we know many do not deserve it? We make this choice out of obedience to God. When we think about how they do not deserve this love from us, it is then we need to remind ourselves that WE do not deserve this love from God and yet He freely gives it to us. Now, I am in no way saying this is always an easy choice to make. I will be the first to admit I have much difficulty in this area. What are we to do then? First, stay in the Word. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, the Word of God will speak to you, instruct you, and change you. Second is prayer. Praying to God and admitting this, and all shortcomings, and asking for His help to change you and grow your ability to love all others in the way He would have you love them. Through prayer and being in the Bible daily, your relationship with God will grow closer. The Holy Spirit will work in you and the fruit will grow. That fruit of the Spirit, love, will grow…quickly in some and slower in others. God works in each of us in His own time. It is for us to submit and not fight against the work He is doing in us. I pray for God to continue His work in me and bring forth the fruit of love so I may love all in the way He commands. I pray the same for all. And always remember that this agape love, is the love we are to have for our God first and foremost…it should be more than a mere choice but a desire and an honor to love Him as He has loved us…Matthew 22:37 Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.