This Is Our Sex TalkSample

What is the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “love”? You may think of a crush or your love for your favorite ice cream, but Jesus invites us to a deeper love—a sacrificial love. In the original language, this verse was written in (Greek), and “love” in this passage is “agape.” Agape is the Greek word that describes God’s immeasurable, unconditional, and pure love. It’s the love that compelled Jesus (God’s Son) to give up His life for you and me. This is the love that Jesus is inviting us to share with others when He says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” So, how can we “agape love” our neighbors as ourselves?

By choosing to live a life that puts others first, we can love those around us well. By the way, this is exactly what Jesus did. When we show empathy, compassion, and respect towards the people in our lives, we can share Christ’s love with them. Jesus was the perfect example of how to show “agape love” to those around us. He lived a selfless life so that He could illustrate for us how to love our neighbors.

What is one thing you can do this week to love someone around you? For you, it may mean helping an elderly neighbor with yard work. Or it may mean praying for a friend going through a difficult time. It could even be choosing not to complain when your parents ask you to do the dishes. Whatever it is, I challenge you to choose it and stick with it, and soon you will see how valuable it is to “agape love” those around you.

Written by Riley, age 18, from La Mirada, CA, USA