CHARACTERISTICS OF AGAPE LOVE

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1 John 3:16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

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Image by Bianca Mentil from Pixabay

Yesterday, we considered the theme, ‘Let Agape Love Lead’ and dilated on Jesus’ example which finds expression in 1 John 3:16, ‘This is how we have come to know love: the Messiah gave His life for us. We too, ought to give our lives for our brothers’. True Christianity thus entails much and we must be willing to abide by its dictates if we profess to be followers of Christ. Today, we explore from the texts some of these features.

Agape love is always willing to forgive. Peter had denied Jesus thrice and even after the resurrection, still did not carry forth what Jesus had entrusted unto him. He went back to his former work. Yet, Jesus forgave him just as He has forgiven you of your many sins! You must do same to merit the infilling and indwelling of the Holy Spirit as poured forth on Pentecost. Observe that Jesus kept no records but rather, pursued patching up with Peter. The Christian forgiveness takes active steps in reconciling with those who have wronged us.

Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

Agape love does not give up on those who stray from God’s love. Jesus prayed for Peter and all the disciples Luke 22:32, followed up by strengthening them after the resurrection and finally schooled Peter on all what Agape Love is about! Never give up on the lost. Use every resource to get them into God’s pen of love and humbly disciple them- feed the lambs and the sheep. Is this one of the Achilles heels of the church?

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Agape love recognizes individual differences and harnesses each for the collective benefit. Jesus, told Peter to mind his own business i.e. concentrate on his ministry (which was going to get him martyred) so he does not stray again. John’s assignment, path and destiny were different. We are not all the same as Priests - We each have been entrusted with different gifts, callings and character. Recognizing and utilizing these is what will grow and develop the church

Agape love does not remain either aloof or do all- it believes in team work.Even Christ, knowing the flaws of others, gave them the chance to minister. It is not Christ- like to do differently! You do not know all and can't do all!!!
Supreme love follows only Christ. Not our hobbies, our thoughts or ambitions. Peter was reminded that only the Captain of Israel was to be followed. We all must ensure we keep watch in this direction. Leadership must be honored but must equally be sensitive to advice that will help it not to stray from the vision of Christ.

From Peter, we learn to rise again each time we fall. That is Agape love. It is tenacious in following the apple of its eyes. Jesus bids you to follow Him. Where must you rise again? May Pentecost be your help and may the Holy Spirit never pass you by!
Perfect love is ever ready to accept its faults. When was the last time you apologised genuinely to one that you have hurt? Confession is no light matter before Christ . It can undo us.

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Finally, LOVE AGAPE DOES NOT REMAIN MUTE but testifies in season and out of season about Jesus and all that He has done for humankind. Do same and you will never regret you did! I am doing my bit by asking you to give your life to Jesus right now if you have not but to you that is already in Christ, PRAY AND LET AGAPE LOVE LEAD!!! . AMEN



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