Christian Marriage
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7
“Everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.” This is not just any love that is from God, it is Agape, the highest form of selfless, unconditional love. Agape is a love that humans do not have by nature, nor can they get it on their own. Agape only comes from God, and everyone who has this type of love is truly born of God and knows God.
Agape is not based on emotions or feelings of love. It does not depend upon the loveliness or worthiness of the person loved. It is a committed decision to do whatever is necessary for the good of the person loved, no matter what. It is the Love that God has when He “so loved the world,”—the world that despised Him and rejected His commands; the world that would abuse and crucify His own Son. Yet He loved that world so much “that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) That is Agape!
Agape is the building block of every godly relationship, but especially of marriage. Agape is the love that does not let the cruel words and careless actions of the other ruin your love for them. It forgives and forgets and is determined to do good.
When Agape is the foundation of your marriage, every other type of love, with all the feelings, intimacy, and joy, will be enhanced greatly. Just as God’s Agape produces love in our hearts, so when we show this love, we pray that it will produce love and build the most wonderful marriage.
Lord, you are the God of true Agape love. We thank you for your great love and forgiveness in Christ, and pray that you will teach us to love as you have loved us. Amen