was that it meant "God's own love." When I came upon
a more accurate definition, it made a dramatic im-
pact on how I would think, live and relate to others.
Agape means "love that seeks to satisfy the needs of
those being loved, no matter what the cost, sacrifice, or
hardship."
the cost to Him. When the word is used in the New Tes-
tament, it most often means that it is we who are told
to "agape" love others. While this sets the bar extraordi-
narily high, we are called to "walk in love, as Christ also
has loved us and given Himself for us" (Ephesians 5:2).
not perfect yet; I have a long way to go. But with this
new understanding of agape, I can be more focused and
cooperate more fully with the changes God is making in-
side me. A richer knowledge of agape helps me to choose
to love as Jesus loves.
think, "What do they need? How can I help them? How
can I serve them?" Remembering to respond as if I value
others more than I value myself is not a habit quickly
developed, but by choosing to relate to others with agape
dead," I told him, "and offers to come into your life and
change the attitude of your heart to become the kind of
person God wants to live with forever. If you knew how,
would you take Him up on His offer?"
people more than you value yourself. You would want
to give to others what they need, even if it cost you
something. If someone did something to hurt you, in-
stead of being defensive or retaliating, your response
would be to ask yourself, `What do they need? How can
I help them?' Knowing that's the kind of change Jesus
would make in your life, is this what you want? Is your
answer still yes?"
joy in discovering its full meaning.
my focus on Him!
in Petaluma, California, and author of The Pieces Fit -- Chris-
tianity Contemplated, (2011, WestBow Press, a division of
Thomas Nelson).