Agape is the word that first comes to mind when I start to ponder Christian love. It is a Greek word that is translated as ‘love’, but it is seen as a spiritual and selfless love as revealed in Jesus. It is not sexual in nature; but is generally thought of as an unconditional, self-sacrificing, and thoughtful love.
We are told to love our neighbors as ourselves. Showing Christian love doesn’t even require that you really even like someone. Often we have gut feelings about someone that makes us not really care for them as people; but the concept of Christian love demands that we be charitable, self-less and giving. We are to treat them as we would like to be treated if we were in their position. While we may not like someone, we can still treat them in a way that would fulfill this requirement.
You can express this love in many ways. Sometimes it is something simple, sometimes more is needed. I often let in a car on the road who is waiting during rush hour traffic. It may seem simple, but that small act of kindness for someone you don’t even know, who you have no expectation of paying you back in kind; it is the perfect example of Christian love on a small scale.
It is those types of small acts of kindness compounded among many people that can make a difference in the world. Every act of love towards our fellow man doesn’t have to be huge, but they can still make someone’s day and perhaps make them think about what they can do for someone else to pay it forward to someone else.
Sometimes I wonder if it isn’t easier to do something selfless and charitable for someone you don’t know. The people we are familiar with tend to tarnish in our minds when we start tallying up our grievances with them. Remember 1 Corinthians 13 though, “Love keeps no record of wrongs.” Difficult, yes. But it is what we should be striving for.
Christian love is also having respect for others. Like them or not, know them or not; we can always show respect for others. Allowing them to be who they are and accepting them is a big part of that.
We don’t have to be giving monetary gifts to others necessarily to show Christian love; but there are definitely times when others are in need and we are of the means to give. It has been my experience that giving one place often creates an incoming blessing for me from somewhere else.
Resources
Day 71 – Rebuilding Your Foundation To Be Built Up
The Free Dictionary – Agape
Wikipedia – Agape
All About God – Christian Love
All About God – Bible Verses on Love
