In today’s world, the word “love” is often associated with attraction, pleasure, and personal satisfaction. It is shaped by media, entertainment, and social trends that emphasize feelings and desires.
Many equate love with romance alone or with the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes. Yet the Bible presents a very different picture. Scripture speaks of agape, a selfless and sacrificial love that reflects God’s own nature. As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace this higher and holier form of love.
In the Greek language of the New Testament, several words were used for love. Eros referred to romantic and physical attraction. Philia described friendship. Agape, however, spoke of unconditional and sacrificial love.
When the apostles wrote about God’s love and Christian love, they consistently used agape. This revealed that Christian love is not based on emotion or desire, but on commitment, obedience, and self-giving.
First, understand Agape as God’s kind of love.
1 John 4:10 says, “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
Agape love begins with God. He loved us first, even when we were sinful and undeserving. God’s love was demonstrated through sacrifice, not pleasure.
Jesus did not come to satisfy Himself, but to save others. Unlike eros, which seeks to receive, agape seeks to give. It is patient, faithful, and willing to suffer for the good of others.
When we understand God’s agape love, we learn that love is more than feeling. It is a decision to care, forgive, serve, and remain faithful. True love is measured by sacrifice, not by desire.
Secondly, choose Agape over lust and selfish desire.
Paul describes love as patient, kind, and selfless. This kind of love does not exploit, manipulate, or use others for pleasure. The lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes focus on what feels good now, often without concern for consequences.
Agape, on the other hand, protects dignity, honors commitment, and seeks holiness. It reflects Christ’s character in relationships.
As Christians, we are called to love with purity and integrity. Guard your heart, mind, and actions. Let your relationships be guided by respect, faithfulness, and obedience to God. Choose love that builds, not love that destroys.
In a world that confuses love with lust and attraction, God calls us back to agape. This love reflects His heart, honors His design, and blesses others.
When we love as Christ loves, our lives become testimonies of grace, purity, and faithfulness. May our love always point others to God’s perfect love. | NWI
