Copyright © 2012 Ever Increasing Ministries. All rights reserved. www.biblegatway.com Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV) |   Home   |   About EIM   |   Current Bible Study   |  Devotional   |   Prayer Request   |   Praise Report   |   Testimonials   |   Call To Salvation   |   Questions & Comments   |   From Toni’s Desk   |   Contact Toni   |   A Love That Gives But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 1 John 4:8 (NLT) The Bible talks about several different types of love, but this week we want to focus on Agape.   The Greek word agape is often translated "love" in the New Testament. The essence of agape love is self-sacrifice. Agape doesn’t refer to sexual love, brotherly love or charity.  Agape love is distinctive and is distinguished by its nature and character. The Apostle declares in 1 John 4:8 that ……“God is love.”  It is who He is.  Everything that comes from God is coming from love. Regardless of if we like it or not…it’s coming from love. God showed His love for us at the Cross. We were all unworthy, but because of the very nature of God, He sent Christ died for us.  But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 (NLT).  That my friend is the epitome of self- sacrifice.  John 3:16 says “For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten son….” In the same way, we are to love others sacrificially. Understand that agape love is not based on feelings. Agape love is not predicated on loving sacrificially as long as the other person loves you in that same manner. Agape love is a regardless type of love. Many believe that they are not capable and/or are not expected to love with the agape type of love, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. As born again believers we are expected to demonstrate agape love to everyone.  It is only agape love that will show others that you are a child of God.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:35 (NLT). Going to church 7 days a week, laying hands on the sick and they recover, casting out devils and speaking in tongues is not a sure sign that you are a servant of the Most High. It is through showing agape love, God’s very nature that will show the world that you are truly a servant of God. So now, let’s truly begin to love each other with agape love. Not just to those who love us with agape love, but also to those who we have characterized as being only loveable by God.  Remember:  But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5:8 (NLT). Application 1. Extend love. Every time you have an opportunity to show love…show it. Not just to those that reside in your home, but include those that you come across on a regular basis or to those that you may only cross your path one time. You never know the difference that you can make in the life of someone else. Prayer Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me with such a sacrificial love. Thank you for sending Christ to die for me while I was still in sin. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity through the sacrifice of Christ to spend eternity with you. Forgive me for the many times that I refused to extend that same love to love ones and strangers. Help me to recognize every opportunity that your provide me to show others of your love. In Jesus Name, Amen.