Joy of the Gospel

Today, most people think of love as something that is romantic or a gesture of generosity. Our society emphasizes these forms of love. We see romantic and generous love on social media, television, and in movies. Yet the love we are probably most unfamiliar with is the love talked about in the 13th and 14th chapters of 1 Corinthians. The Apostle Paul says that "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not selfish, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails" (1 Corinthians 13:4–8).

To put it differently, in 1 Corinthians 13 and 14, Paul talks about an unconditional love (agape). This kind of love takes place regardless of external or internal problems. Powerful lyrics in Kirk Franklin's song "Unconditional" emphasizes this point. The song says that the love of Jesus "won't stop 'til I'm changed" and that His love is "not conditional love, but long suffering."

When Jesus Christ was being crucified on the cross, He said, "Father, forgive them because they don't know what they are doing" (Luke 23:24). Jesus was asking forgiveness for the people who wanted to kill him and were killing him. Jesus was asking forgiveness for His haters and killers. In essence, His prayer to God to forgive His murderers and enemies was an act of agapic love.

In a society that appears to emphasize revenge and sensuality instead of agapic love, we must remember that another kind of love exists—unconditional love. And this is the love we are supposed to chase after. In a world that emphasizes selfish love, Christians seek a love that is unselfish and seeks the well–being of others. Jesus Christ loves us with an unconditional love.