APR 6

1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Memorise 1 Corinthians 13:13
“… seeketh not her own…”

The word “love” in Galatians 5:22 is “agape”, which is also translated as “charity” in 1 Corinthians 13. It is a very particular word that describes unconditional love – the same kind of love that God showed to us when He sent Christ to die on the cross for our sins.

Agape love is different from the love that is commonly depicted in the world today. One clear difference is the fact that agape love “seeketh not her own” – this means that it is sacrificial, and it places the needs of others over our own needs with no selfish motivation behind it. People may willingly place their family’s needs above their own, but that is primarily because of the relationship they share. These people would not be as likely to show that same love to total strangers. Those with agape love, however, can go beyond relationships and show love even to enemies, just as Christ loved us even while we were yet sinners.

But agape love is not blind – it “rejoiceth in the truth”, which means that it is based firmly on God’s Word. Turning a blind eye to sin is not agape love. A person with agape love would still rebuke sin, because he knows that God hates sin and will punish and condemn sinners, or chastise believers.

Living a reformed life requires us to show this same love to those around us, even complete strangers, or our enemies. One of the greatest expressions of agape love is taking the time and effort to share the gospel with those who are still outside of God’s kingdom – it requires us to set aside any personal fear or anxiety, or any personal differences we may have with the people we are reaching out to.

In this, we see the principle of agape love clearly demonstrated. Giving the gospel to someone shows that we are trying to save them from Hell by pointing them to Christ, and we are willing to go through anything to deliver that message. This same idea of being willing to do and dare much for the sake of leading others to Christ is what we need to carry into all our interactions, whether with believers or unbelievers.

Thought: Do I show agape love to others in my interactions with them?
Prayer: Lord, help me to love others in the same way that Thou first loved me.