When we say love we think of romantic love or the surface love we feel for friends. The Greeks used the word Agape for a special level of love–the highest standard of love.

1 Corinthians 13 lays out just what is expected when we say Agape.

Paul describes this loves by stating what Agape does not do and what Agape does.

Does not:

3) Does not envy

4) Does not boast

5) Not proud

6) Does not dishonor others

7) Not self seeking

8) Not easily angered

9) Keeps no record of wrongs

10) Does not delight in evil

But Is/Does

1) Patient

2) Kind

11) Rejoices in truth

12) Always protects

13) Always trusts

14) Always hopes

15) Always perseveres

Journal

Write a prayer. Ask God to show you where you need to allow Him to change your heart and your actions. Ask him to open your mind to where your love falls short of Agape. Confess to God any walls or inhibitions you have at looking at yourself in regard to Agape love.

Actvity:

On a scale of 1-5 where 1 equals “this is a problem for me” and 5 means “I can honestly say this describes me” give a rating to each of the characteristics of Agape Love. You get to be honest here. It is between you and God.

We will go over each one in detail later, but for today just think about the words in general.

Example:

Patience: I am a 2 on this one. (I maybe grading myself higher than I deserve on this one) I loose my patience with people and with myself. The frustration that swells in me causes any of the positive agape traits I may posses to swiftly go away.

Document in your Journal your answer to each of the components of Agape Love.

Daily Check Up

Are you praying God will show you how to give Agape Love to the person He gave you for this lesson? Are you asking God to love this person through you just as He has loved you?