[Love] does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:5-7 NKJV)
In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded by messages of “do what you want to do” and “seek your own fulfillment”. These messages stress the importance of self, often without consideration of others or the necessity to persevere and see things through.
Agape or selfless love does not rejoice in self above others, but puts others first and seeks to lift them up with encouragement. This love is not easily provoked nor does it seek to avenge what others do to us. Agape love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.
As believers, the Holy Spirit living within us gives us the capability to love others with selfless agape love, even when they appear to be unlovable. We do not have to do it by ourselves. And when we share this selfless love, we shine the light of Christ for others to see and plant seeds in their lives for God to germinate and grow.
The Christian is a person who makes it easy for others to believe in God.
- Robert Murray McCheyne