The agape love we are to have for all other people is self-sacrificial (them before us), never ending (doesn't stop), and unconditional (no limits). We are called to love the misfits, the rejected, those with no social status, and our enemies in this manner. The kind of love God showed towards us and tell us to share with others is the kind that impacts lives and changes others. This kind of love for others defines our faith and gives purpose to our time on earth.
How are you showing others your love? Saying "God knows how I feel" isn't enough. He says to put love into action. God doesn't want us to talk the talk but to walk the walk of the redeemed.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (Note that last part of the verse!)
I John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Romans 12:9-21 Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good. Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other. Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord! Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer. Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home. Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying. Consider everyone as equal, and don’t think that you’re better than anyone else. Instead, associate with people who have no status. Don’t think that you’re so smart. Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good. If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord. Instead, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head. Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.
How are you showing others your love? Saying "God knows how I feel" isn't enough. He says to put love into action. God doesn't want us to talk the talk but to walk the walk of the redeemed.
James 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (Note that last part of the verse!)
I John 3:18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.
Romans 12:9-21 Love should be shown without pretending. Hate evil, and hold on to what is good. Love each other like the members of your family. Be the best at showing honor to each other. Don’t hesitate to be enthusiastic—be on fire in the Spirit as you serve the Lord! Be happy in your hope, stand your ground when you’re in trouble, and devote yourselves to prayer. Contribute to the needs of God’s people, and welcome strangers into your home. Bless people who harass you—bless and don’t curse them. Be happy with those who are happy, and cry with those who are crying. Consider everyone as equal, and don’t think that you’re better than anyone else. Instead, associate with people who have no status. Don’t think that you’re so smart. Don’t pay back anyone for their evil actions with evil actions, but show respect for what everyone else believes is good. If possible, to the best of your ability, live at peace with all people. Don’t try to get revenge for yourselves, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath. It is written, Revenge belongs to me; I will pay it back, says the Lord. Instead, If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. By doing this, you will pile burning coals of fire upon his head. Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.
