Greek · ah-GAH-pay
ἀγάπη
Agapē
“Self-giving, willed love”
“God showed His agape among us: He sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
Agape is not love that falls — it is love that stands. The New Testament reached for this rare word to describe the way God loves: by decision, at cost, without ceiling.
What it means
Agape is love defined by the lover's character, not the beloved's merit. 'God demonstrates His own agape: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.'
It is the word of the cross, of the shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine, of the command 'love one another as I have loved you.'
Agape is not opposite to feeling — it is deeper than it. Feelings follow agape the way sparks follow the altar fire.
Pray the word
Father, fill me with agape — love that gives when it is not returned, forgives before it is asked, and stays when staying costs.
Love through me today the people who are hardest for me to love.
Let my home, my words, and my altar carry the scent of Your self-giving love.
The agape love of God has been poured into my heart — I love as He loves, by choice and without ceiling.
In the Mighty Name of Jesus! Amen.
Where it appears: John 3:16 · Romans 5:8 · 1 Corinthians 13 · 1 John 4:10