AGAPĒ LOVE
This past Sunday, Agapē Love was the closing of our four-week series on types of Greek love in
the bible. Pastor Mark broke it down into digestible pieces, referencing the preceding song,
“Reckless Love,” and reconciled what it is and isn’t.
The lyrics of the song spoke to Mark’s message. “I couldn’t earn it, and I don’t deserve it; still
you give Yourself away—the overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love of God,” establishing
God’s love as Unearned, Undeserved, Unending.
The Uns in Pastor Mark’s message were Unconditional, Undeserved, and Unexpected. Agapē
as Unconditional comes without an expectation, freely given without reciprocity. Undeserved
because we are sinners whose offenses are numerous and Unable to be forgiven except
through Christ. We were reminded, “The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray
from birth, speaking lies.” (Psalm 58:3). Unexpected in the sacrifice of Jesus prostrating himself
for us and laying down his own life. Agapē love is what God calls us to aspire to: an atoning
level of care for others.
“But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” (1
Corinthians 12:31) This “more excellent way” is to love as Jesus loved, practiced
Unconditionally, Undivided so that we may be a compelling witness to the credibility of the
Gospel truth. Agapē love isn’t braggadocious, arrogant, unbecoming, internalized, provoked,
petty, or unrighteous. Agapē love is patient, kind, Unjealous, hopeful, belief-filled, and most
paramount, Unfailing. We are instructed to love those who have failed us, offended us, rejected
us, hurt us, wasted our time or attention, are ungodly, arrogantly defy God, are from different
backgrounds, espouse opposing views or opinions, are without faith, or practice other religions.
Agapē love isn’t for our glory or gain but that others might see God’s love through us.
Mark’s message ended with one of my favorite verses, “And now these three remain: faith,
hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) As we strive to be made
holy through sanctification, we must learn to share Agapē Love with everyone, but most
importantly the least of us.