In Greek, there are four types of love: Eros (the type of love we have for a spouse), Storge (the instinctual love we have for our children), Philia (the affectionate love we have for a friend), and Agape....
Agape love is the love that God has for us and the love that he asks us to show Him and other people. Agape love is totally selfless. It is doing something God has called you to do without expecting anything in return. It is a sacrificial love.
God has given us an amazing example of the importance of love in 1 Corinthians 13:13 saying, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
Is it always easy to love? No! Is it always easy to set aside our own desires, and treat others’ needs as more important than our own? Again, no! If we want to practice loving people the way God has called us to, we need to serve willingly and joyfully, even when we are dealing with the most difficult and unlovable.
How can we do that?
1- Give without strings attached
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” - Matthew 25:40. Most people are familiar with “pay it forward” and have put it into practice. This is a fun way to make someone’s day and give them an unexpected blessing. Have you recently gone through your closet and purged some items to donate? Have you provided a meal for someone in need? Have you volunteered to babysit the child of a young family? Have you held the hand of a loved one that doesn’t have long to live and they need the comfort of knowing someone cares? These are all ways to sacrifice without expectation of reciprocation.
2- Pray for your enemies
When you pray, it is easy to pray for those close to you; but what about praying for your enemies? Even our enemies are a creation of God. They are worthy of the love of Jesus just as you are; so they should be worthy of our love and prayers. The more we pray for them, the less we see them as an enemy. Pray that they would be blessed and that you would release your animosity toward them. This is a true demonstration of Agape love.
3- Speak in Truth and Love
Have you ever had to have a tough talk with a friend that is going down the wrong path? If you have, you know how difficult it is to speak words of love into them without being judgmental. These can be very awkward situations if you are not speaking with the correct motives. We all have our own sinfulness that we deal with, so make sure you have your heart in the right place if you ever need to confront someone else about their walk.
What does your love walk look like?
Others are always watching us. When they look at you, what do they see? Are you setting an example for your children, friends, spouse, co-workers? Agape love is strong and requires endurance. It is Christ-like and should be:
- Steadfast
- Serving
- Sincere
- Self-effacing
- Self-restraining
- Self-denying
- Serene
- Sacrificial
- Sympathetic
- Suffering
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. - 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
At the PLC Health Clinic, it is our sincere wish that all clients, support people and babies will feel Agape love from every staff member the minute they walk through our doors. If you need this kind of love, or need to learn this kind of love, please reach out to us at 419-238-9177 or www.plchealthclinic.org.
*References available upon request
