AGAPE LOVE

AGAPE LOVE

 

This is one of the several words in the Greek language that is translated into English as love. It is sometimes referred to as being "God's kind of love", and is used over 200 times in the NT. The only time I'm aware of that it does not refer somehow to God, is in (John 3:19). Here it is used to describe people who "love" darkness, rather than light. Because we know from other scriptures that "God is light", we know is not Godly to love darkness, so it must be used here to show the intensity of a sinner's hatred toward the light of God's presence. Most of us realize the strength of this kind of a pull toward darkness of some sort, even after we become followers of Jesus. Paul explains this as the "flesh", waring against the "Spirit" (Gal 5:16-18) Nearly every use of Agape refers to behavior, it is especially evident in the comparison between the works of the flesh, and the fruit of the Spirit in (Gal 5:19-23). We see the benefits of Agape in describing the fruit of the Spirit in verses 22 and 23, all 9 things mentioned might be called part of the character of God, or we might say His DNA. The works of the flesh are a complete opposite to the fruit, and we know that followers of Jesus should not be involved in any of the 17 things listed in verses 19-21. But we know from personal experience that we, or someone we know quite well, sometimes do some of these things. Who among us can honestly say they have never been guilty of jealousy, or envy, or outbursts of anger?, which we may call "righteous indignation" to try and justify it! I think we are all guilty by times, and I would venture to say the reason could a lack of Agape love operating in our lives. And if I understand this passage correctly, these sins can keep us from our "inheritance", which Peter tells us is being reserved in heaven for us(1 Peter 1:3-5).

 

So it would seem that Agape love is a very important commodity to have operating in our lives at all times. Our flesh nature will constantly try to hinder our spiritual progress, and must be kept in check by submission to the Holy Spirit. Satan works on our flesh nature, but the holy Spirit works through our redeemed spirits as we are obedient to listen to His still small voice, and allow God's "Agape Love" to flow through us!

Sincerely submitted.

Dave Jamer