InEssence

IM

Me: did I tell you the assignment for the Love Class - defining agape? I gave them 15 pages of Bible verses - every time agape is used in NT -- they have to read the scriptures -- and they have to come up with their own definition from the text

Friend: that's good

Me: I've gotten a couple of responses... I'm so happy with their response

Friend: so how would you define agape?
Me: 'love'
Me: :)
Me: lol
Me: lol

Friend: thanks for the thoughtful response

Me: lol
Friend: :-D

Me: I like short definitions!

Friend: only God can love with agape love
Me: you have a loftier definition than I -- but He does bring it to perfection: :)
Friend: in Christ
Me: yes, definitely, the standard of excellence

Friend: the unconditional, no strings, attached kind of love
Me: well, I wonder, is that exactly true... but - no quibbling. When i get their definitions, i am going to post them and comment and invite comment.

Friend: Why? Are there strings attached to God's perfect love
Me: He is looking for a return, yes. "Return"
Friend: true

Me: He values and desires that which He loves, not 'altruistic' and unattached -- passionate desire - highly valued - really loved - jealousy, rage, all these things --- they come from agape - agape - the root of holiness
Friend: then the definition of unconditional has conditions
Me: His patience runs out
Friend: yes

Me: But that is not inconsistent w agape. He also agapes justice, etc. He "agapes" some things more than others. For the sake of some things that He "agapes", He hates other things.
Friend: yes
Me: We are His beloved in Messiah Jesus

Friend: so agape has limits
Me: yes and no -- it defines all that God does ... so, then, no -- but the benefits of agape can be missed

Friend: but God limits his limitlessness
Me: right, He does, but will eventually take it up, again - 1 Corinthians 15
Friend: yes

Me: He's humble, He will eventually 'arise'
Friend: indeed

Friend: phone - gotta go
Me: bye