(1 John 4:8 KJV) He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.“Love” here is the Greek agape. It is a type of love that the world does not accept. It is summarized in I Corinthians 13 where the KJV calls it “charity.”
We hear a lot about love in our day and age. It is portrayed as something of great value. It is said to be lacking. It is supposed to be a panacea for all that is wrong with our world.
The problem is that the “love” that the songs, posters and counselors talk about is not agape love. The “love” of the songs is basically lust and physical gratification. The “love” of the posters is spineless accommodation to narcissism. The “love” of the counselors is self centered.
Agape love is summarized in patience, kindness, forgiveness, self sacrifice. It is a commitment, not an emotion. Agape love is what is sometimes called “tough love.” It makes hard choices and does not make excuses. When correction is needed, it corrects. When punishment is needed, it punishes. But it always acts this way for the improvement of the target. It is full of encouraging hope based on reality. It is not about the lover or lovee feeling good. It is to make good.
It might help if we said “God is agape” rather than “God is love.”
So. God is spirit. God is light. God is love.
Something to think about. Something to believe. Someone to follow.
homo unius libri
And continued Amen's.
ReplyDeleteGrace and peace.