Agape

CHRISTIAN LOVE [agavph]

1. Definition: Applied to God and applied to Man
   1a. [Vine’s] “as used of God, it expresses the deep and constant love and interest of a perfect Being towards entirely unworthy objects”
   2a. “Christian love, , , is not an impulse from the feelings, it does not always run with the natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered. Love seeks the welfare of all”
2. This is the love that sent Jesus Christ into the world Vine’s: “It was an exercise of the Divine will in a deliberate choice made without assignable cause except that which lies in the nature of God Himself”
3. We are commanded to practice this love w/our neighbor Mar 12:31
4. We are commanded to practice this love w/all people Joh 13:34; Rom 13:8-9
5. We are commanded to practice this love w/our enemy Mat 5:44
6. We are commanded to practice this love w/our wife Eph 5:25
   1a. Not an impulse from feelings
   2a. Does not always agree with natural inclinations
   3a. Does not spend itself only upon those for whom some affinity is discovered
   4a. Is a deliberate CHOICE made without any assignable cause
7. This is the love that sent Jesus Christ into the world Joh 3:16

CHRISTIAN LOVE! WHY NOT?

1. Love as a Characteristic requires development, maturity, and application. 2Pe 1:5-8
2. Applying Christian love means we Understand the love of God as demonstrated through Jesus Christ Rom 5:8; 1Jo 3:16
3. Christian love becomes an issue of obedience to God Joh 15:9-10