In the Greek language, there are a few different words to describe the different types of love. There is Eros, which is a passionate, sensual love, like the love you have for your spouse. There is Philia, which is a friendship type of love. There is Storge, which is natural affection, like with a family member. And then there is Agape love. This love gives the idea of sacrificial, unconditional, spiritual type of love.
I had an amazing chat with a friend at church, who was encouraging me to extend Agape love to some people in my life. She emailed me this definition:
Agape love is a love of the will - to show kindness and self sacrifice regardless of whether the object of love is worthy or even like-able. Thus, it is a love that does not depend on an emotional response, rather it is an expression of the nature and the character of the one who loves, not the one receiving the love.
Wow. Agape love is a reflection on the character of the one doing the loving, instead of the one receiving the loving. Talk about unselfish love. I love how this challenges me. I am to love my husband, family, friends, coworkers, strangers, & enemies as an act of will. It has nothing to do with who is the object of the love, but everything to do with who I claim to be. Wow.
My comment with regards to marriage: Those who treat their spouse with the love that person "deserves," will usually end up with an unhappy marriage. In the short time Johnny and I have been married, I've already come to learn that I am called to love him unconditionally. Period. No way out of that. The amazing thing is that when you choose that for your marriage, your partner becomes more easy to love. When love is freely given, it creates an environment of grace, where a heart can grow in ways never known otherwise.
Agape love. An act of the will. A reflection on the giver, not the receiver. Amazing.
~June
What an excellent definition and challenge! This is a great reminder for all relationships. Thanks for sharing :-)
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