Love Goes A.P.E. – Part 1: Agape

Whether on the Internet or in a chain, links connect us to one another (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). Love links in the three distinct stages that intertwine: Agape, Phileo and Eros (or A.P.E.).

Agape, or divine love, cares for others at the expense of (or more than) the Self (1 Samuel 20:4; John 15:13). Agape is the greatest link. There is no basis for this type of love; it just is because God is (1 John 4:7-8). It can only be understood by experience through faith. It never grasps for others (like Eros), and it does more than cares for others (like phileo). Agape serves others (John 13:14-15). Agape actually lays itself down for others just that they might be one with God and one with each other. Oneness exceeds bonding for in oneness there is no possibility of division or separation.

Agape is unconditional, eternal, infinite, glorious, passionate, consuming, patient, kind, willing to give others freedom to choose, befriending, gentle, forgiving, restoring, holy, righteous, pure and unfailing (1 Corinthians 13:4-8, 13). It has always been, is now, and forever will be. It will never change (Hebrews 13:8) and never fades away no matter what comes against it. From agape proceed phileo (man) and Eros (woman). It is the Source of all true love.

Tomorrow: Love Goes A.P.E. – Part 2: Phileo