How God Will Help You Do Everything with “Agape” Love
“Do everything with love.”
1 Corinthians 16:14
Paul wrote these words as part of his final instructions in his first letter to the church in Corinth.
The Greek word for love in this verse is “agape” . . . love that is:
Unconcerned with the self and concerned with the greatest good of another. Agape isn’t born just out of emotions, feelings, familiarity, or attraction, but from the will and as a choice. Agape requires faithfulness, commitment, and sacrifice without expecting anything in return. (Christianity.com)
That’s hard, isn’t it? In fact, if we’re being honest . . . doing everything with agape love is impossible.
I believe that’s the reason Paul wrote the following first:
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
1 Corinthians 16:13
You and I can’t love unselfishly if we are unaware of the spiritual battles going on around us.
We need to KNOW the truth of God’s Word, so we can “be on guard” because the enemy is constantly working trying to divide us from the Lord and from each other through pride and selfishness.
We need to TRUST His Word, so we can be “firm in the faith” to identify the enemy’s lies.
And we need to surrender ourselves to God’s LOVE allowing Him to make us “courageous” and “strong” so we won’t give in to those tempting lies.
It’s easy for me to get caught up in the moment, to listen to the loudest most demanding voices, and give in to the largest crowd. That’s why I need to remain in God’s Word every single day.
As I read the Life Application Bible Notes about 1 Corinthians, I realized the circumstances Paul was addressing were not all that different from what you and I are facing today.
The Notes added:
Paul had received reports that the Corinthian church was dealing with jealousy, divisiveness, sexual immorality, and misconceptions about marriage. So, he wrote to help believers know how to live in a corrupt society.
If we want to know how to live in God’s will today…
We need the Spirit’s help to trust and follow God’s will for us to:
Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.
God does not change.
“I am the Lord, and I do not change.”
Malachi 3:6
His will never changes.
The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
Psalm 33:11
The thoughts and plans of His heart through all generations.
His Word lasts forever.
The word of the Lord remains forever.
1 Peter 1:25
He loves perfectly and He wants His people to love perfectly . . . with agape love in ways that give Him glory.
A Prayer to Glorify God by Living with Agape Love
Father, Your Word promises that Your love is unfailing and everlasting. You are love and You love perfectly.
Jesus has shown us Your love. He told those who trust and follow Him to “love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34) I know You want me to love the way Jesus loves. You want me to show people His love and Yours. But I fall short every day. Even when I want to love well my pride, selfishness, stubbornness, and foolishness get in the way. I am so sorry. Please forgive me.
Please fill me with Your love until it overflows onto the people around me. Please fill me with faith that I might recognize the enemy’s lies. As I turn to Your Word, guide me by the power of Your Spirit grounded on a firm foundation of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Please make me strong and courageous to stand against the things that tempt me and keep me from loving as You desire.
Father, please give me everything I need to live today with agape love that I might glorify You in all I do. I ask all this in the name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus. Amen.
I’m praying that Your day is filled with faith, courage, strength, and love.
God bless you!
Only with God’s help can any of us realize that agape kind of love. Great post for Valentine’s Day, Deb!
Blessings!
So true, Martha! I need His help to do everything. 🙂 Blessings and hugs!
There is no other love like it. So grateful!
Amen, Felicia! We have so very much to be thankful for! God bless you!
Perfect post for Valentine’s Day! It amazes me that the things Paul deals with in the early church is still appropriate for us today. But I guess that’s just the nature of humankind. Thanks for sharing. ????
Thank you, Chandra! It always makes me think of Solomons’ words, “there is nothing new under the sun.” We are always dealing with people who have a sinful human nature. Praise God for His grace, mercy, and “agape” love. Blessings!
I look forward to opening your emails. It is always refreshing to read your posts and the prayers are appreciated as well. I am consistently encouraged to dig deeper into the message you bring and how I can apply it to my life.
The agape love you show by sharing your posts is a blessing and a wonderful influence for me. Take care
Thank you so much for your kindness, Maryann! Your encouragement is truly appreciated. I love being able to do this and it is a wonderful blessing to know that the Lord has used it to bless and encourage someone else. God be with you and bless you bunches!
Thank you Deb, a great post x
Thank you, Angela! Have a wonderful day!
Taking a portion of another great point you made, Deb “…we are unaware of the spiritual battles going on around us”. It is a great reminder to me that each and every one of those battles is induced by the evil one to try to bring us down to join his fight against our great God.
I tend to accuse people — deeming them mean-spirited, controlling, vengeful…rather than identifying the real perpetrator and praying that God will free them from the perpetrator’s deceit.
I have a note above my desk, “Pray instead…”.
It’s time to add another:
Remember that they are all SPIRITUAL battles — love them like you know Jesus loves you — and pray for them.
I’m with you, Pam. It’s so easy to get frustrated and annoyed first! I like your notes and reminders to pray! It’s always a blessing! God be with you!
There is nothing like God’s love.
Amen, Maree! Have a wonderful weekend! God bless you!
Great Article Deb ????And SOOO IMPORTANT to REMEMBER For Us To Emulate ????????♥️ DEFINITELY Not ALWAYS easy ???? to do… And YES PRAISE G-D ♥️???? FOR HIS Unconditional LOVE ❤️ G-d♥️Bless
Thanks so much, Cheri! Amen! His unconditional love changes everything. It is truly our greatest blessing. God be with you!