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The God Kind of Love

Agape refers to the God kind of love; the love that surpasses Philos (family love) and Eros (sexual love). There is no substitute for Agape. It is the very Spirit of God and therefore is not subject to compromise or distortion whatsoever. Agape is supernatural and cannot be achieved through human effort; it has to be the work of the Holy Spirit. As stated in the book of Romans, “the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5: 5).

Every new believer in Jesus Christ is given a measure of love to enable him or her to love as God loves and it can only be maintained as we live by the word of God, giving the word first place in our lives. Jesus explains this to His disciples in the book of John, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in His love” (John 15:10).

Jesus taught His disciples that without Agape they would not be children of God nor would they attain to perfection and partake of the Father’s nature. Jesus said to them “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven:”. (Matthew 5:43-48).

Our natural, human love does not have the capacity to love our enemies or to do what is good to those who despitefully use us and say all manner of evil against us. Agape does! It is the dynamic of our devotion toward God and toward others, and the strength of our service for God. It prevents offense, heals wounds, and soothes pain, sorrow, and sadness. Agape is powerful. It breaks demonic shackles and causes demons to flee.

The Body of Christ is intended to operate in agape with each member providing support where the other lacks. Agape lays down its life for the good of another. It sees a need and, often at its own expense, reaches out to meet that need without the expectation of anything in return. Agape chooses to forgive and will always pursue unity among the brethren, laying down its reputation and its rights for the sake of the kingdom of God, because this is what pleases the Father. Agape is the true representation of God in our relationship with others. It transcends natural boundaries and is that condition of heart that lines up with the Father’s heart.

We need to pursue agape with all our hearts, soul, and strength. It is the vehicle that takes us into supernatural living, where we would have intimacy with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and where we would benefit from divine favour, protection, provision, and blessings. When God sees His love exhibited through an individual, He sees a reflection of His heart, His nature, and His character . . . He sees His son.

 Love is not a word. Love is the Spirit of God and when He is in our heart we live out God’s love—Agape.

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