Biblical Answer

Understanding Agape Love

Agape love is a unique and highest form of love that puts others first, before self, in thought and action. It is the love that God has for His creation, and it is the love that He calls us to have for one another. Agape love is self-sacrifice, the giving impulse that seeks the positive good of another at one's own cost. It is a greater self-giving than God's gift of His Son, and it is an example to copy from Christ's self-sacrifice.

Key Characteristics of Agape Love

Agape love is not drawn out by merit, but rather it is a choice to love others regardless of their worth or value. It is not competitive with other forms of love, but rather it enables them. Agape love is not a feeling, but rather it is a decision to put others first, even when it is difficult or costly. It is a love that is willing to sacrifice one's own interests and desires for the benefit of others. Agape love is a personal activity, where God operates in love towards humanity, and it is a gift that is given to us by God.

The Example of Christ's Love

The example of Christ's love is the ultimate expression of agape love. He gave His life for the sake of others, even when they did not deserve it. His love was not drawn out by their merit, but rather it was a choice to love them regardless of their worth. Christ's love is an example to copy, and it is a call to us to live out agape love in our own lives. We are to love others as Christ has loved us, with a love that is self-sacrificing, giving, and willing to put others first. This is the highest form of love, and it is the love that God calls us to have for one another.