Fr. Richard Simon is back with an explanation of agape love that’ll make you rethink what love really means. It’s not about warm fuzzies or rom-com butterflies.
🎭 Greek Words for Love: It’s Not Just “I Love Ice Cream”
Fr. Simon breaks down the different kinds of love in Greek (yes, the Bible’s original language matters!):
Philia: Mutual friendship, like your bestie.
Eros: Romantic desire (yep, the word “erotic” comes from here).
Storge: Family loyalty, like how you’d naturally care for your parents or kids.
But the star of the show? Agape.
🌟 What is Agape Love?
Agape isn’t just love. It’s sacrificial love. Think of it as:
Selfless. No “what’s in it for me?”.
Protective. Like running into traffic to save a stranger’s kid.
Active. Not just words… real action.
💡 Key Insight: Agape love is willing the good of another: doing what’s best for someone, even when it’s inconvenient or hard.
✝️ Agape is God’s Love in Action
Fr. Simon reminds us: Agape is God’s love. The ultimate example?
👉 Jesus on the Cross. He didn’t just feel love. He sacrificed Himself for us.
When we hear “God is love,” it means God is sacrificial. His love is about giving, not getting.
🥺 Do We Really Love Like This?
Father Simon gets real. He admits,“I’m not sacrificial enough.”
Do we serve our families selflessly?
Do we forgive or keep a tally for the next fight?
Do we help the poor when it’s uncomfortable?
Agape love doesn’t keep score. It says, “I’ll do this because it’s right,” not “You owe me.”
📖 A Radical Bible Rewrite?
Father suggests replacing the word love in Scripture with sacrifice.
Imagine:
“Sacrifice is patient, sacrifice is kind… sacrifice keeps no record of wrongs.”
Hits a little different, huh?
🎯The Challenge: Love Like Jesus (But for Real)
Father Simon closes with a powerful challenge:
Love sacrificially. Give up comfort for others.
Love like Jesus. Not just nice words, but actions.
Stop Keeping Score. True love doesn’t hold grudges.
✅ So today, ask yourself: Am I loving or sacrificing?
Sacrifice multiplies. Just like Jesus took 5 loaves and 2 fish and fed thousands. Your small sacrifice matters.
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