Agape (love)
The Greeks have four different terms to define love, one for each type of love:
- eros â the love felt when you're in love with someone
- philia â the love felt towards close friends
- storge â a natural love or fondness felt between family members
- agapeSelfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. Christianity holds agape to be the highest type of love, epitomised by Jesusâ sacrifice on the cross for the salvation of humanity and in teachings such as âLove your neighbourâ. â unconditionalWith no conditions; absolute., unwavering love
In the scriptureA piece of writing that has religious significance., the love that Jesus talks about and refers to is agape love. The term agape refers to unconditional love. Christianity teaches that this is the highest type of love, and it is the love that Jesus has for humans. Agape involves feeling so much love for someone that you put them before yourself.
The most famous teaching of Christ on this is from the Last Supper in Johnâs Gospel. Jesus gives his final commandmentA law or instruction believed to have been given by God. to his apostles to love one another.
And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. If you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples.
Jesus is commanding his apostles to love everyone, just as he has done. To be a follower of Christ means to show unconditional love to all, including those who may be considered as enemies.