A New Commandment

“I give you a new commandment: love one another. Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
(John 13:34-35 HCSB ©®)

In these three sentences, Jesus used the Greek word “agape” four times. It was translated into English as “love.”

He did not use the Greek word “eros,” which would have just as appropriately been translated into English as “love.” He also did not use the Greek word “phileo,” which would have just as appropriately been translated into English as love. The appropriateness of translating these words as “love” ends with the reason that it is common to do so. It would be inappropriate to think that the three Greek words mean the same thing. They don’t at all.

Phileo describes a love that could describe the acceptance gang members have for each other. Dallas Cowboys fans have this for someone they see with a Cowboys flag on their truck or their cap. It is tribal. It makes me take up for my little brother even though I kind of hate him because he always embarrasses me.

Eros describes a love that is evidence of a strong desire. Victoria’s Secret and Hustler Magazine have tried to deceive us into believing that it is only related to attraction that is sexual. My favorite hummus or ice cream flavors are just as properly described by eros, though. It is a desire – a love that is based on some benefit I hope to receive. Romance is an example. Romance usually lasts up to 24 months, then it has worn off – whether it is my new girlfriend, my new car, or my new phone. It is the source of most “love” that results in most marriages: “I will tolerate your demands and costs in order to get my desires and demands met.” Most marriages built on this strength last about 2 years.

Agape, though, is all about the loved, and not about the lover. It is what caused Yahweh to give His only begotten Son for love of the world. It is what empowered that Son to give His life painfully and under much insult and disgrace to create the possibility that you and I could have Life. And the possibility that we could also agape others.

It is costly. It is powerful. It is what will convince unbelievers who see it that we are being disciplined by Jesus. It is a fruit of His Spirit, so all we have to do to bear it is repent for selfishness and greed and bitterness and envy and unforgiveness and surrender to His desire to be known through us.

Surrender to His desire to be known through you. Be awesome!