The Apostle Paul wrote these words to the church at Rome, “Let love be genuine… ” (Romans 12:9) What do you think he meant by “genuine love?” We can begin to answer that question by looking at the meaning of love as defined by Jesus.
When Jesus spoke of love, the word he used was agape, one of the Greek words for love. This kind of love is best understood as self-giving actions toward another, not expecting anything in return. “Love” in the Christian’s vocabulary is about much more than how we feel toward someone. It is more properly understood as a verb, a word of action -- what we do in relationship to others. As Christians, to love someone means to express actions of compassion, caring, encouragement and support, especially in times of their greatest need.
New Testament scriptures are filled with stories of Jesus’ caring compassion, and concern toward others. He expressed the challenge to his first disciples and all who would be his disciples today in these words: “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13: 34-35) Faithful discipleship involves responding to this “new commandment” and living and loving like Jesus did.
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