When we hear the word love, so many things come to mind. Perhaps we think of an act of kindness or a feeling mutually shared with someone else. We might use the word to express excitement like when we say “I love that movie.” The word is used so many diverse ways, that sometimes people even dispute over what it actually means.
Where so many have been misinformed on the word love is how broad its meaning stretches. When the scriptures were written, the apostles understood the diverse nature of the word and chose to use different ones to describe its many contexts. Rather than disputing over what one word means, they rated each kind of love from least to greatest. Even Christ himself did this.
Greater love has no man than this: that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
The word used for love in the original text is “agape” which literally means Godly love. Rather than Christ disavowing the existence of other forms of love, He rated them, placing Godly love at the top of the list. What is even more amazing is that His love exceeds this one. Paul wrote to the church of Rome stating that
While we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son Romans 5:10
Think about it! We were enemies, yet God loved us as if we were His friends, so much, that He died for us. God not only told us what the greatest love was for a man to show. He showed us how much greater His love is in comparison to humanities.
What makes the love of God so powerful is the nature of His sacrifice. Think of how often you would be willing to sacrifice for someone who wronged you. Chances are, you would have a hard time bringing yourself to even say something polite to them. For Christ, this sacrifice was above human nature. He did not just give up His life for those He considered to be friends, but those who had no right to be called sons of God. Think of how much more we should be willing to show the same kind of love, even to those who least deserve it.
As a personal challenge this week, ask yourself who in your life has brought you the most hurt. If you are struggling to love them, challenge yourself with these verses in mind. May the Lord strengthen you as you seek to accomplish this challenge.
By Andrew Inman
