Agape is a powerful word with an important meaning in Christianity. It is a type of love that is often referred to as unconditional, self-sacrificial and divine in nature. It encompasses a wide range of difference emotions, including strong feelings of commitment, care, understanding, and compassion. Agape love is seen in many places throughout the Bible. But how many times is it actually used?
The term Agape is derived from Greek and is used throughout the Bible to express a deep and enduring form of concern, care and love. It is used in the New Testament to refer to God’s love for sinners and believers, as well as the love between Christian believers. It is also used as a synonym for charity or generosity.
Agape is mentioned in the Christian Bible over 100 times. It is used in both the Old and New Testaments, and is seen throughout the Gospels. For example, when Jesus teaches his disciples to love one another with agape love, he says, “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).
There is much debate about the nature of agape love. Some scholars suggest that it is a form of self-giving love, while others define it as a self-transcending love. For instance, the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle defined it as a kind of self-transcending love that is given freely and unconditionally. He suggested that it is a love that is devoted to the good of others, rather than to oneself.
Agape love is also an essential characteristic of true Christianity. As theologian John Stott states, “Christians are to imitate God’s Agape love in the world.” He further explains that it is a love that is selfless, generous, and kind. It seeks the highest good of the beloved and is sacrificial in nature. It stands in stark contrast to the world’s self-centered kind of love.
Agape love can also be seen in the life of Jesus. Throughout the Gospels, we read of Jesus’ love for humanity and his willingness to lay down his life for our salvation. In John 15, Jesus tells his disciples that “greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). These words express the ultimate example of agape love—a love that is willing to sacrifice all for the good of another.
Agape in the Bible
Agape is found throughout the Bible. One of the most well-known passages is 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, which states, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” This passage is often used to illustrate the nature of agape love, as it is selfless, committed and sacrificial.
In the Old Testament, agape is used in reference to both humans and to God. It is seen in the famous “Shema” prayer (Deuteronomy 6:5) where God commands us to love him with all our heart, soul, and strength. It is also seen in passages such as Psalm 36:7 where God says, “How priceless is your unfailing love!” Finally, it is seen in Proverbs 8:17 where the writer says, “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.”
Agape in Modern Society
Agape love is increasingly being seen in modern society. In recent years, it has become a popular term among Christian charities and organizations. It is used to describe the type of love that goes beyond mere sentimentality, and emphasizes self-sacrifice, kindness, and compassion. It is also seen in acts of mercy and service. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people around the world have shown acts of agape love by donating food and exercising practical help to those in need.
Agape love is also seen in modern relationships. It is often seen among couples who choose to put their relationship first and prioritize the needs of their spouse over their own. It is also seen in the form of sacrificial parenting and in relationships among siblings and friends who have a deep concern and care for one another.
Agape love is a powerful concept that has the ability to transform the world. It is often described as self-sacrificing, unconditional and divine in nature. It is found throughout the Bible, including in the Gospels, and is increasingly seen in modern society.
Agape and Self-Love
Agape love does not exclude loving one’s self. In fact, agape can be a powerful force for embracing and celebrating our uniqueness. When we recognize our own worth, and embrace our own humanity, we become better equipped to truly love others. Agape is a reminder that while we may not always have it all together, we have the capacity to love one another. It is a reminder to practice self-compassion, to recognize our own worth, and to extend grace to ourselves, just as we extend it to others.
When we practice self-love, it can become easier for us to extend this love outward. We can become more mindful of our own needs, confident in our own worth, and ready to receive agape from others. As we are willing to extend this love to others, we can open up to new relationships, experiences, and opportunities to share our love with others.
Agape love also leads us to become more aware of the needs of those around us. We are reminded to help others in need, to offer a helping hand, and to listen and show compassion. We can embrace our own imperfections, while always striving to love and care for those around us.
Agape is a reminder to practice self-love and to always extend love to others. It is a reminder that true, unconditional love exists and can be found in our own hearts and within our relationships. Agape offers us an opportunity to embrace our own humanity and to love ourselves and others without judgement.
Agape Love in the Church
In the Christian faith, agape love is seen in the Church. Christians are called to embrace agape love and to extend it to all people, regardless of faith or background. This type of love entails offering help and support, offering acceptance and understanding, and offering mercy.
In Galatians 5:13-14, we read, “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” These words illustrate how agape is meant to be lived out in the Church. Christians are called to love their neighbor as they love themselves—with self-giving, unconditional love.
In addition, agape love is seen in the Church through acts of service and generosity. The Church is a place where members come together to show true kindness to one another. It is a place where people can encounter real love, a place to share joys, sorrows, and struggles.
Agape love is essential to the Christian faith. It is a reminder to serve, show mercy, and be generous. It is an active presence in the Church, driving us to share God’s love and grace to all people.
Agape Love Today
In today’s world, agape love is needed more than ever. It is a reminder that despite our differences, we can still come together and find common ground. It is a reminder that we all have the potential to love unconditionally and to act as instruments of peace.
Agape love is a powerful force in the face of injustice, poverty, and suffering. By actively engaging in acts of love and kindness, we can bring hope and healing to the world. We can contribute to a more just and peaceful world, and show those around us that we truly care.
Agape love gives us the strength to tackle life’s challenges. It compelling us to reach out to those in need, to listen to others with openness, and to act as agents of love and positivity.
Agape love is a source of hope in times of trial. It is a reminder that we can come together, extend kindness and understanding to one another, and embrace our shared humanity with compassion. Agape is the key to understanding and acceptance, the bond that can bring us all together.
