How to love

Agape is the Greek word to describe God’s love.

C. S. Lewis, in his book The Four Loves, used agape to describe what he believed was the highest level of love known to humanity—a selfless love, a love that was passionately committed to the well-being of the other. Before our wedding, our pastor required that my husband and I attend premarital counseling. In one of our meetings, he explained this meaning of agape love to us—such valuable knowledge for the strengthening of marriage! Unconditional love promotes loyalty and dedication to each other, even as the imperfect humans we are. Because of human nature, temptation to give up will creep in—and when it does, it is essential to grasp tightly to this type of love in order to uphold the marriage commitment and help each other. Trust grows from trials patiently endured. The reward is great.

When asked what was the great commandment, “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

God gives His only Son as a sacrificial gift to deliver the world from condemnation and to give eternal life to those who believe in Him. When we continue in an immoral lifestyle, we naturally resist divine disclosure of our sin and thus our need for a Savior. Do not flee the light, but repent. God has revealed His strong love in His Son, Jesus Christ, to forgive your sins and give you life. • O heavenly Father grant that my life may be a vivid testimony to Your sacrificial and faithful love in Christ. Amen.
—The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, Saint Louis

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. —John 3:16 KJV
Christmas Inspirations Postcard Number Three ©Elizabeth B. Knaus

The Savior was Given

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