Real Hope: Definition of Loveনমুনা

More Than A Feeling

Most people talk about love as if it were a feeling. But that’s only half the story. Love is much stronger than emotional feeling. Jesus calls us to actions – not feelings. The Greek word Jesus uses for love, agapao, means to seek the best for another with no thought of what you might receive in return. The love Jesus speaks about is what we do even when we don’t want to, and even when others don’t deserve it, or even appreciate it – a little like a parent’s love for a child.

When the Apostle Paul described love in 1 Corinthians 13, he didn’t talk about feelings, but rather actions of patience, kindness, trust, perseverance and control of temper. The essence of love is not what we feel but what we do. Jesus said, ‘As I have loved you, so you must love one another.’ The word ‘as’ here carries with it the meaning ‘in like manner’. He is telling His disciples to love each other in the same manner in which He loved them.

Jesus’ love for His disciples was sacrificial love. This kind of love is measured by what it costs us rather than what we receive. Jesus does not say we have to always have good feelings about each other, or even to necessarily like each other, but He did say that we need to love each other. When we put aside our feelings and likes and dislikes and seek the best for each other in true Christian love, we make an impact on those around us. When they see love acted out in our relationship, their lives will be impacted for the Gospel.

Written by CHRIS WITTS

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