Agape love is a central concept in the Bible that refers to selfless, unconditional love. In this blog, we will explore what the Bible teaches about agape love, its meaning and characteristics, the types of love in the Bible, and examples of agape love.
What Does Jesus Teach About Agape Love?
Jesus taught about agape love through his own actions, emphasizing the importance of selflessness, compassion, and forgiveness. He demonstrated this type of love when he died on the cross for humanity, and he commanded his followers to love others in the same way. In John 15:12-13, Jesus says, "Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends."
Is 1 Corinthians 13 Agape Love?
1 Corinthians 13, also known as the "love chapter," describes the characteristics of love. While the chapter does not use the word "agape," many scholars believe that the type of love described in this chapter is indeed agape love. It emphasizes the importance of patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and selflessness in love.
What Are the 4 Types of Love in the Bible?
The Bible describes four types of love: eros, philia, storge, and agape. Eros refers to romantic or sexual love, philia refers to friendship love, storge refers to family love, and agape refers to selfless, unconditional love. Agape love is unique in that it is not based on feelings or emotions but on actions and decisions.
What is an Example of Agape Love?
The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is an example of agape love. In this story, a man is beaten and left for dead on the side of the road. Two religious leaders pass by without helping him, but a Samaritan, who was despised by the Jews, stops to help. He bandages the man's wounds, takes him to an inn, and pays for his care. This demonstrates the selflessness and compassion that is characteristic of agape love.
Agape love is a powerful concept that is emphasized throughout the Bible. It is characterized by its actions, rather than its emotions, and is demonstrated through selflessness, compassion, forgiveness, and putting others before oneself. When we choose to love others in this way, we demonstrate the type of love that Jesus taught and modeled for us.