Demonstrating Agape Love

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”

Galatians 5:22

Dear Friends,

In the New Testament, God uses three Greek words to express love – Eros (physical intimacy), Philia (friendship), and Agape (the God-like love produced in us by the Holy Spirit). God’s love for us is the most powerful of all types of love.

C.S. Lewis stated wisely, “Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as it can be obtained.” The greatest example of agape love would be that of Jesus Christ bringing us into a right relationship with the Father, despite our sinful attitude and actions.

When the Apostle Paul was reminding the church at Galatia of what a Spirit-filled Christian looked like, he recommended to them to start with love – not only a love to God but also love for people. When we view the rest of the “fruits of the Spirit” in Galatians we see love demonstrating itself: Joy – a cheerfulness in our conversation; Peace – not fussing with others; Long- suffering – a willingness to respond patiently; Gentleness – courteousness…and the list continues.

As we respond to people around us, do we show love? And if so, what kind of love is it…merely human or divine (agape)? There’s a great power in demonstrating agape love. Love changes the world!

Love in Christ,

Dr. Tim Pollock, Senior Pastor