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What Did Jesus Really Mean When He Commanded Humanity to ‘Love?’

Image credit: The Bible Project
Image credit: The Bible Project
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By Billy Hallowell
Editor

January 4, 2018

What does the Bible — and, in particular, Jesus — really mean with the blatantly clear command that we exhibit “love?”

READ: Here are the Two Things That Convinced This Theologian of the Gospel’s Authenticity

Most Christians know that the Bible commands us to love God as well as others, but the word “love” in our modern culture is a bit messy and convoluted, as it can take on a variety of forms and meanings.

Consider, for instance, that a person can love his or her mother, have a romantic love for someone or express a penchant for pizza or chocolate. In this way, “love” is a bit abstract, but true biblical love, as explained in a new video from The Bible Project, has more specific parameters.

In the end, it all comes down to Jesus’ two commandments: love God and love others. The Greek word for love is “agape” — and the meaning of that word makes all the difference.

“Your love for God will be expressed by your love for people and vice versa,” the video proclaims in speaking about Jesus’ command that we show love for God and for others. “They’e in separable.”

In the end, agape isn’t a feeling that happens to you as much as it is an action — “a choice that you make to seek the well-being of people other than yourself.” Agape love is something you do for others without expecting anything in turn.

Oh, and it’s also a love that measures how well you treat your enemies.

Check out this amazing word study explainer that breaks it all down below:

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