Agape | Definition, Scripture, & Uses (2024)

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Agape | Definition, Scripture, & Uses? ›

agape, in the New Testament, the fatherly love of God for humans, as well as the human reciprocal love for God. In Scripture, the transcendent agape love is the highest form of love and is contrasted with eros, or erotic love, and philia, or brotherly love.

Agapē is the word that describes God's love in John 3:16, “God loved the world in this way …” (CSB). We are commanded to love God (Matt. 22:37) and love one another (John 13:34) with agapē love. Agapē is the word for love used in 1 Corinthians 13.

Agape's Greek origin is the verb agapan, which means ''to greet with affection'' or ''to love. '' Expanding on this agape meaning, Greek writers used the word to express varied kinds of affection, including spousal love, care for one's children, or even appreciation for a good meal.

Believers exhibit agape love in daily life by making selfless decisions and putting the needs of others before their own desires. Agape in practice is often demonstrated through acts of kindness, humility, and forgiveness in regular interactions with others.

The term agape refers to unconditional love. Christianity teaches that this is the highest type of love, and it is the love that Jesus has for humans. Agape involves feeling so much love for someone that you put them before yourself. The most famous teaching of Christ on this is from the Last Supper in John's Gospel.

The word agape, in its noun form, appears 106 times in the New Testament; but it also appears as a verb agapein, "to love".

Or in the words of the apostle John, “God's own agape was revealed when he sent his one and only Son into the world, so that through him, we could have life.”⁷ And for John then, this leads naturally to the conclusion, “beloved ones, if that's how God loved us, then we ought to show love for one another.”

Christians believe that God has unconditional and enduring love for all human beings, known as agape. They believe that he showed this love by sacrificing his son, Jesus. The second person of the Trinity., to atone. for human sin.

But the greatest of these is love (Agape). The four types found in the Bible are Greek: Agape, Storge, Philia, and Eros. Agape (Uh-GAH-pay):is the love of all humans; charitable; it is the highest form. The Agape form is the love given whether or not it is returned.

How do we show agape love? ›

We can show agape love by being accepting and non-judgmental. We can show agape love by being loyal and faithful. We can also show agape love by being generous and giving. We can show agape love by offering our time and resources to those in need.

Offer Your Attention – The world is filled with distractions, set those aside and just be present. Be Their Feet – Help others complete tasks, adventure with them, and stand up for others.

“Agape” love is action-oriented. We must do loving things, like serving and giving forgiving. We probably won't feel like doing these things in the moment, but true, Christ-like love isn't rooted in feelings. Real love always seeks the good of the other person.

In First Corinthians 13:4-8, Paul describes the characteristics of agape love. God designed these verses to help you determine whether or not you are walking in this kind of high-level love in your own life.

In John 13, Jesus exemplifies agape love through his humble act of washing the disciples' feet. This act of service was not only a demonstration of love but also a powerful lesson in humility and selflessness.

agape. Original Greek: ἀγάπη (agápē) Agape is often defined as unconditional, sacrificial love. Agape is the kind of love that is felt by a person willing to do anything for another, including sacrificing themselves, without expecting anything in return.

Surprisingly, the noun agape is a late Greek construction, used only once outside the Bible in a passage where the goddess Isis is given the title agape.

We can show agape love by being accepting and non-judgmental. We can show agape love by being loyal and faithful. We can also show agape love by being generous and giving. We can show agape love by offering our time and resources to those in need.