Displaying Agape Love
Bible Readings
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 - 1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
- 1 Peter 4:8 - And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
- Luke 15:32 - It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Divine love empowers us to forgive, serve generously, and restore the fallen.
Yesterday, we saw that agape, or unconditional love, enables us to react calmly to difficulties, demonstrate patience while waiting, and make sacrifices without complaint. We demonstrate agape in the following ways: - By forgiving: When the prodigal son returned, love helped his father forget past grievances and forgive the young man (1 Peter 4:8). We can do the same for those who harm us; however, this does not mean allowing the harm to continue. - By being generous: The son returned home with very little hope. His father welcomed him and clothed him with the finest garments. Divine love, which does not keep a record of wrongs, made such generosity possible. - By serving joyfully: When the father received his son back, saying, "He was lost and is found" (Luke 15:32), he threw a feast. He expressed his love through the overflowing joy of serving others. - By restoring the fallen: The individual who had both abandoned his father and squandered his inheritance was once again given his sonship rights.
When we sin, our Heavenly Father patiently waits for us to turn to Him. He accepts our repentance, rejoices in our return, and restores fellowship with us. In turn, we too must extend this agape love to others.
🤔 Reflection
With whom can you share this love today?
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