Agape Love: The Love of Jesus and the Father

Agape love is the highest, purest form of love—completely selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. It’s the kind of love that gives without expecting anything in return, that chooses to love even when it’s undeserved. This is the love of God.

Jesus embodied agape love in everything He did. He healed the sick, welcomed the outcasts, and forgave those who betrayed Him. But the greatest display of His love was the cross. While we were still sinners, He laid down His life for us (Romans 5:8). He didn’t wait for us to be worthy. He loved us first, completely and relentlessly.

This love isn’t just something Jesus demonstrated—it’s the very nature of God the Father. Juan 3:16 tells us, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son.” This was not a distant, conditional love. It was a Father’s love so deep that He sacrificed His Son to bring us back to Him.

A Call to Live Out Agape Love

Agape love isn’t just something we receive—it’s something we’re called to share. But let’s be honest: loving this way isn’t easy. Our natural tendencies lean toward selfishness, pride, and self-preservation. Forgiving someone who has hurt us, showing kindness without expecting anything in return, or loving difficult people can feel impossible. And the truth is—it is impossible without God.

We can’t love like Jesus on our own strength. But the good news is, we don’t have to. When we stay connected to Him through prayer, His Word, and the Holy Spirit, He fills us with His love so we can pour it out to others (1 Juan 4:19).

However, it’s important to understand that agape love does not mean tolerating abuse, mistreatment, or unhealthy relationships. Jesus calls us to love, but He also calls us to walk in wisdom and protect the dignity He has given us. Forgiveness is a part of love, but reconciliation is not always possible or required, especially when it endangers your well-being. Loving others does not mean allowing harm.

Take a moment today to ask God to help you love with His kind of love. Maybe it’s forgiving someone, showing patience, or simply offering a kind word. Small acts of love, done with God’s help, can reflect the heart of Jesus in a powerful way.

Let’s surrender to His love and allow Him to love through us—because with Him, all things are possible.