An ancient concept for modern relationships
Your dog means everything to you.
Hes cute and cuddly and always there when you need him, and you love him.
But its not the same way that you love your sister, or how you love your spouse.
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And its definitely not the way you love to watch football or read a good book.
In fact, the Greek language has several different words that speak to different types of love.
Eros love focuses on passion, [and] is wrapped in attraction and desire.
Storge love is a brotherly love, where affection is reciprocal.
Agape love, however, is less focused on you and more focused on those around you.
Agape love goes beyond physical attraction and desire because it thinks of others first.
Agape love goes beyond physical attraction and desire because it thinks of others first.
Often, agape love is referred to as the highest form of love because of its selfless ideals.
Its a historic concept for love that has endured to have a lasting impact.
The word agape became synonymous with a meal associated with the Lords supper that was held by early Christians.
They called the meal a love feast.
Keeping with its original purpose of charity and unselfish giving, agapes definition has grown.
“The provider of agape love gives selflessly, expansively, and intentionally for the vitality of the receiver.
“It’s intimate, able to recognize and appreciate someones wholenesseven if that person cant.”
The entire mindset behind agape love is selfless sacrificial service to others.
The Impact of Agape Love
We dont live in an ideal world.
People are human, and even the most disciplined, selfless individuals have rough days.
That altruistic feeling shows up in many ways in our everyday lives.
The power of respectful acceptance overcomes feelings of guilt, shame, and hopelessness in ones own life.
It enhances a sense of communion and community.
It can then extend this to others in meaningful and empowering ways, he concludes.
