Biblical Answer

The Nature of Agape Love

Agape love is a unique form of love that is characterized by self-sacrifice and the seeking of another's positive good at one's own cost. This form of love is not driven by personal feelings or emotions, but rather by a commitment to the well-being of another person. Agape love is often described as perfect love, as it is a love that puts others first, before self, in thought and action. This form of love is exemplified in the self-sacrifice of Christ, who gave his life for the salvation of humanity.

The Characteristics of Agape Love

Agape love is a personal activity, as it involves God operating in love towards humanity. This form of love is not just a feeling or an emotion, but rather a deliberate choice to seek the good of another person. Agape love is often contrasted with other forms of love, such as storge (natural affection), eros (romantic love), and philia (the love of friendship). However, agape love is not a replacement for these other forms of love, but rather a higher form of love that enables and complements them. Agape love is a self-giving love that seeks the well-being of another person, even if it requires personal sacrifice.

The Example of Agape Love

The self-sacrifice of Christ is the ultimate example of agape love. Jesus' willingness to give his life for the salvation of humanity is a demonstration of the highest form of love. As Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). This form of love is not just a revelation of God's love, but also an example to copy. We are called to imitate Christ's self-sacrificing love, seeking the well-being of others even if it requires personal sacrifice. Agape love is a love that is rooted in God's character and is a reflection of His love for humanity. As we seek to understand and experience agape love, we are drawn into a deeper relationship with God and are empowered to love others in a similar way.