A N. Y. Life commercial mentions four words the ancient Greeks used for love. It says one love is different; it’s the most admirable. It’s called agape, love as an action. It takes courage, sacrifice, strength.
Jn. 3:16 In the New Testament, agape is the word used for God’s love. One characteristic of love, is giving. Jesus gave of Himself, in sacrifice, to rescue us from sin, and condemnation (Jn. 3:18). He received the punishment of God’s wrath for all of our sins, in our place (Jn. 3:36).
When we believe God and receive Jesus as Lord, He gives us eternal life. He gives His Spirit to help us do His will.
Love gives, or is expressed in a variety of ways. What are ways, or things, we can give out of love?
Lk. 10:27 The emphasis of agape love is someone else’s well-being. We can give with the right faith, even when we don’t have the right feelings. It’s like making an investment. Where we place our treasure is connected to our heart (Lk. 12:34).
Love gives. That means it costs us something. It may be time, effort, convenience, money.
What hinders us in loving and giving?
God is love, so God gives. If we live by faith in the Son of God, we too, will love and give (Gal. 2:20).