“A NEW COMMAND I give you: agapē one another. As I have agapēd you, so you must agapē one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you agapē one another.” (John 13:34-35, NIV) Our Lord has called us to love one another, “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; LOVE as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that YOU WERE CALLED (kaleō: known by this) TO THIS, that you may inherit a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)
In the original New Testament writings, the word agapē defined unconditional, unlimited love. The expectation of agapē is that its nature and power encompass LOVE FOR ALL, regardless of the type of or the lack of relationship. Agapē provides for unlimited love to those who may not accept, nor appreciate it. This love is also for those who can provide nothing in return.
Hesed in the Old Testament is like the word agapē it refers to the dedicated steadfast, unfailing love of God towards man. “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my UNFAILING LOVE (hesed: dedicated, steadfast love) for you WILL NOT BE SHAKEN nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you…All your children shall be taught by the LORD, And great shall be the peace of your children.” (Isaiah 54:10, 13 NIV) “For no one is cast off by the Lord forever. Though He brings grief, He will show compassion, so great is His UNFAILING LOVE (hesed). (Lam. 3:31-32, NIV)
Why is this so essential? “God said, “Let Us make man IN OUR IMAGE, ACCORDING TO OUR LIKENESS; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” So God created man in HIS OWN IMAGE…” (Gen. 1:26-27) Know this, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for GOD IS LOVE.” (1 John 4:7-8) Just to be sure, “We have known and believed the love that God has for us. GOD IS LOVE…” (1 John 4:16)
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham