What Does Agape Love Mean?

Posted on January 7, 2023 by Lisa Blair

Forest fires begin with a single spark. Our world can change with a single spark, the spark is agape love. Agape love is the love that God has for each of us. And, the love that we, Christians, should emulate and extend to everyone.

Is agape love easy to extend? As humans, we tend to offer love to those who are aligned with our belief systems. Agape love means, extending ourselves beyond loving those who think and live like us. Agape love is unconditional love. “Agape love is a sacrificial love that unites and heals.” Alyssa Roat published an article in Christianity.com entitled, What Does Agape Live Really Mean on the Bible. Alyssa described agape love as being the love of God, that we see through the cross of Jesus Christ. This love saves and restores humanity, in the face of sin and death.

When we practice agape love, we do so out of choice, not out of obligation or attraction, which is conditional. Conditional love chooses to love this group and not that group, this culture, and not that culture, this race, and not that race, this gender, and not that gender, this religious culture, and not that religious culture, those politically leaning in the same way I do, but not that other group. As mentioned earlier, agape love is unconditional, which means that we do not have the freedom to pick and choose.

It is difficult because we are a fallen people who look for satisfaction and things that make us feel good. If we extend agape love to the world in the same way that God sacrificed His only son to save us. It will become a difficult task because the effort does not seek a way to pacify ourselves to feel good, or be satisfied.

The challenge is to step out of our comfort zone and become a ray of love and light for ourselves and for the world to see and experience.

Loving does not necessarily mean that you must like the persons actions or behaviors. It does not mean that you condone those who are doing wrong. It is not a position of compromising truth for non-truth. Agape love focuses on the inner person, the child of God.

Some define agape love as charity. Charity is defined as tolerance, and choosing not to judge other. It means extending yourself beyond your current belief systems.

According to Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary, pages 381-382, agape love expresses itself first of all in implicit obedience to God‘s commands. Agape love is not an impulse from one’s feelings, it does not always run with one’s natural inclinations, nor does it spend itself only upon those whom some affinity is discovered. Agape love seeks the welfare of all. Agape love seeks opportunity to do good to all men. Agape love is a declaration that you are a child of God and reciprocate His love by loving others.

When we declare agape love, we step out of our comfort zone and obey God‘s commands. Our character steps back when we become more like Christ. At this point, we can begin to extend agape love, at which time agape love becomes the spark that changes the world.

One of the focal points for 2023 is entering the application season of agape love. When you put agape love first in your life, all things come together for your good and the good of the world.

Do You Light the Way?

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Posted on August 1, 2020 by Lisa Blair

When you enter a room, are you the light Christ expects others to see?
~ Lisa Blair

Posted on August 1, 2020 by Lisa Blair

When you enter a room, are you the light Christ expects others to see?

We are summoned to be the Lord’s ambassadors, to share the Word, educate non-believers, and love everyone as Christ loves us. This is not an easy task if you fall subject to gossip, anger, spite, and jealousy.

“The good works that we do in spirit and truth are not our own good works, for of ourselves we can do nothing that is worthy of God’s praise. The good work that we do is the new-life of Christ within us, that is working through us. It is the new, born-again life of Christ that we received when we were born from above, that carries out any good works that we do, so that others may see our good works and glorify our Father Who is in heaven.”
(Let your light shine. Matt 5:16 @ daily verse.knowing-Jesus.com)

Good works are the attributes we display moment-by-moment, day-by-day. They are the essence of who we are in Christ. These traits harken back to the Fruit of the Spirit.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:22-25‬ ‭NLT

Do you reflect love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control throughout the day with everyone you come into contact with? Do you segregate who you will apply the Fruit with? For example, do you apply the Fruit with only family and friends, do you extend it to co-workers and others? Do you exclude people walking past you on the street, or people who are different than you culturally, racially or ethnically? Is it okay to display the traits to some and stereotypical hatred to the poor, beggars, nonbelievers, the elderly?

When Christ was nailed to the Cross, He took on our sin nature. Our passions and desires were nailed and crucified with Him. As Christians, we are now living by, for, and of the Spirit who dwells in us. Logically speaking, we should follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

I ask you, “does your light show through you, or are you veiled/cloaked/bound in your sinful nature”?

“The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Are you willing to live the sort of life that will deny you the Kingdom of God? This brings me back to yesterday’s post, The Lost Year. The world is changing and God is calling us to step out of our comfort zone, analyze who we are, and identify our sins towards others that allow us to set others apart as less equal, less desirable, and less worthy? Do you judge who is worthy to be counted as a brother or sister? Does your sin nature govern your life?

These questions are food for thought. I believe we all struggle to overcome our sin nature. It is the constant battleground we live on until Christ returns. Are you willing to deny your sin nature and be the light, or when Christ does return will He plainly say,

“I never knew you. Away from me, you evil doers!” Matthew 7:23, NIV

If you plan to become a prayer warrior or want to strengthen how you pray, following is a prayer I am attaching from Prayers That Avail Much, by Germaine Copeland to assist you in establishing prayer time. They just published the 40th Anniversary Copy. This and He Whispers My Name by Cherie Hill are great books to add to your Christian Book library.

One Suggestion – do not allow this opportunity to slip away. God knew we would enter this time, and I am certain His hope is that you will take advantage of it and spend more time with Him strengthening your relationship with Him. Only God knows our beginning and ending and everything in between. Jeremiah 33:3 NLT declares, ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do no know about things to come.

Sources: daily verse.knowing-Jesus.com; biblegateway.com; Prayers That Avail Much. Germaine Copeland; He Whispers My Name. Trusting God’s Love. Cherie Hill.

Images: LAB PHOTOS

GOD’S INVISIBLE QUALITIES

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Posted on April 2, 2020 by Lisa Blair

God’s invisible qualities are present in our life.
~ Lisa Blair

Contrary to popular belief, too many of us, Christians, are blind to the invisible world God created for us. We do not see the pure wonderment of his Workmanship. The Arabic version says that His properties are invisible to us because they can only be known through the eternal power and Godhead. When we are aligned with the Father, and the Holy Spirit dwells in us, the beauty and magnificence of the world are revealed to us. We begin to see the light of nature that His people have enjoyed since the beginning of time.

We begin to see the unity in all things and start to understand that nature, man, and all of the things of this earth are one, created by the Great Creator. Our passion for God’s presence is present in all things. The revelation of his Supremacy becomes visible through the invisible realm of His creation.

If nothing else, this should turn us from our wicked ways, fall to our knees vowing obedience and dependence upon Him who created us and leave our heathen/worldly lifestyles behind.

I have a Christian friend who shared that he had fallen away from the Lord. It was a slow tug back into his old life and was awakened when he was struck with an illness and taken to ER. His words are – ‘always stay alert,’ stay in the spirit, and see the invisible workmanship of the Lord, humble yourself to His way, His will, and His light.

Acts 1:8, KJV reads:

“But ye shall receive power, after that, the Holy Ghost comes upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

In this scripture, power (dynamai) refers to strength, the force of power behind supernatural events, i.e., the creation of the earth and all that is in it; the power of Jesus to work miracles because He is God. The power is seen in the crucifixion of Christ.

As believer’s, we are called to witness to those who are blind and destined to live in what they see, the sins of this world. ‘Paul teachers that every man, that has known God or not has rejected this knowledge of God and replaced it with idolatrous thoughts of another of their own making.(one passion ministries)’ As witnesses, we must share the invisible workmanship and wonderment of God’s world, both supernatural and natural, they are gifts from God and His sacrifice made to open our eyes.

Romans 1:20 NLT (Tyndale House) reads:

²⁰From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God.

God’s invisible qualities are visible to those who believe. We have no excuses for falling short of denying ourselves and sharing the Good News. Paul warned that God is not pleased with His followers who fall subject to their worldly sorrows, do not repent, and once again pick up their cross. We should do all we can to stay in God’s good graces. Do not look back to salvage your blinders. We have no excuses.

Images – YouVersion.Bible.com.Roger Coles; Google Images

References: Romans 1:20, YouVersion.Bible.com; Romans 1:20. BibleStudytools.com; Romans, 1:20,21 Commentary, preceptaustin.org; Romans 1:20. KJV Word Study Bible. Nelson Thompson Publishers; No Excuse – Romans 1:19-23. Onepassionministries.org

Refer to my Post – We Are the Light

Also, visit my website, My journey as a blogger began in 2017.

Dwelling In God’s House

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Posted on March 13, 2019 by Lisa Blair

Dwelling in the house of the Lord is not only an afterlife experience. It begins in the here and now.
~ Lisa Blair

Our most valved longing should be our desire to seek after the Lord. All other desires are temporal. As we go through life putting God first, we will find all other things fall in place and no longer vie for our full attention.

When I think of peace and safety, I see myself in God’s presence, like David (the author of the Book of Psalms) persevering in worship while conducting God’s work as I go through my daily life. Our dwelling place is anywhere we find ourselves: home, the studio, school, work, store, restaurant, library, church, the laundromat, on the bus, on a train, in a plane, walking, or in the park, anywhere we are at the moment. They are all sacred places because we are God’s children.

I’ve learned that while I travel through my day, I can just as easily hold internal conversations with God as I do with self-talk that is often harmful, doubtful, and demeaning. Inserting God into everything I do provides clarity and comfort. I am dwelling in Him instead of the world.
I become strengthened through conversations with God, which at times include prayer, praise, worship. I find studying the Word teaches me His Holy language, provides discipline and gives new light and understanding to our conversations. I love that my thoughts are ensconced in His Word.

Our ultimate purpose is to be in service to the Lord in all that we do. We are here to learn, grow, and be God’s ambassadors on earth. We were born again to dwell in the house of the Lord. Where do you reside?

Resources – Biblestudytools.com; BibleStudylight.org

Light Flows Through Us

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Posted on January 29, 2019 by Lisa Blair

God works through people. We are the light others see. How bright are you glowing? How many amps do you generate? Do you cast a dim light, or do you share the Word through your actions, deeds, and discussion allowing the Holy Spirit to emanate an overpowering light through you? ~Lisa Blair

You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:14-16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This scripture reinforces one of my earlier posts. You are the light others see. Christ glows within you and like the filament in a light bulb emanates light outward.

The full scriptural verses read:

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:14-16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Only light contrasts the darkness. It is a symbol of the war that is raging between heaven and earth, God and Satan. Satan resides in the dark. He lost his light when he fell to the earth leaving his past as God’s most beautiful, intelligent angel behind to become Satan.

You defiled your sanctuaries with your many sins and your dishonest trade. So I brought fire out from within you, and it consumed you. I reduced you to ashes on the ground in the sight of all who were watching. All who knew you are appalled at your fate. You have come to a terrible end, and you will exist no more.‭‭ Ezekiel‬ ‭28:18-19‬ ‭NLT

Ezekiel‬ ‭28:18-19‬ ‭NLT

“Yes,” he told them, “I saw Satan fall from heaven like lightning!”‭‭ Luke‬ ‭10:18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged. God has kept them securely chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the great day of judgment.” ~‭‭Jude‬ ‭1:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Our challenge, as human beings, is to overcome the darkness by acknowledging that Jesus is our Lord and Savior and then take up His cross and live a Christ-like life. Accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior invites Him to reside in us as the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the light that emanates through us and glows outward targeting observers. It is through this process that non-believers are drawn to you, inquisitive as to why you glow. What is different about you? They see the difference and then hear your story and the Word of God. The glow is planted in them, growing until there is a time when they too will hear the call to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Be clear, we are a vessel, we cannot ‘save’ anyone, not even ourselves. Our glow is the Holy Spirit, whose job it is to offer eternal life.

“In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“This is the message we heard from Jesus and now declare to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all. So we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth. But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.”
‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:5-7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

“Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is filled with light. But when it is unhealthy, your body is filled with darkness. Make sure that the light you think you have is not actually darkness. If you are filled with light, with no dark corners, then your whole life will be radiant, as though a floodlight were filling you with light.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭11:34-36‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Images – YouVersion-Bible.com; Google Images-cdn.pixabay.com
Scriptures – Biblestudytools.com, Bible.com
Other Posts, same topic: Light, Jan 6, 2019, Never In Darkness, Jan 7, 2019

If your thoughts differ, please begin a dialogue online. Thank you for reading my Post. God Bless.