Agape (/ˈæɡəpiː/[1] or /əˈɡɑːpeɪ/; Classical Greek: ἀγάπη, agápē; Modern Greek: αγάπη IPA: [aˈɣapi]), often translated "unconditional love", is one of the Koine Greek words translated into English as love, one which became particularly appropriated in Christian theology as the love of God or Christ for humankind. In the New Testament, it refers to the covenant love of God for humans, as well as the human reciprocal love for God;In my formative years, (who am I kidding, spiritually speaking, I'm always in my formative years) when I wanted to pray, but didn't know what to say, or pray for, sometimes I would just say "Dear God, Thank You. I Love You. Amen." It's so simple, but it said all I wanted to say. And why not? When you think about it, it's kind of an all encompassing statement. And God said/demonstrated it to you first:
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. - John 3:16 (NIV)
...so we don't even have to be embarrassed to say it. No fear of rejection here!
Love is a word that we use in a lot of ways: "I love pizza" or "I love your sweater" or "I would love to go to Blackstone for a Valentine's Day dinner!" There is nothing wrong with this kind of love, but it nothing compared to the kind of love we experience from God. I hope you see that. I don't think there's a person in this world that confuses the kind of love we have for food, even chocolate, for the kind of love we have for our family or for God, but sometimes I think it helps to sit and reflect on it.
So, on this Valentine's Day, I hope you will remember those friends you love as brothers and sisters, I hope you will express your love to your family, children, spouse or significant other, but I also hope you will remember to God "I Love You." For all that God has given you.
Say it with me now:
Dear God,
Happy Valentine's Day
Thank You.
I Love You.
Amen.
