There are many meanings to the English word “love”. We need to understand precisely which meaning Jesus was placing on the word to be able to follow his teaching. The love Jesus is referring to is agape. Agape love is the highest form of love and charity. It is a love that expresses the love God has for God’s creation. It is a sacrificial love, and it is offered regardless of circumstance.
We could express this agape love by, for example, responding calmly and caringly when someone is facing difficulties, without growing impatient and without complaining. By showing someone empathy, extending a
helping hand without expecting anything in return, or demonstrating you have the other person's best interests at heart.
Agape love is
not, however, a means of saying, “do whatever you like, and I will accept it”. Good healthy boundaries are also a way of expressing agape love. Parents discipline their children so they may know right from wrong. Criminals must be held accountable for the sins they have committed. Where do we draw the line? If discipline or justice is metered out simply to wield power or exact revenge, then it is not Christian love. If it is aimed at a remedial outcome, then it is.
How do we avoid falling into the trap of the first and not offering the second?
The clue is in vs44 of our text. Jesus says, “pray for those who persecute you”. So, as we pray for those who have wronged us, our hands are opened, and our anger lifts as we release the person to God.
It is a journey. But the more we give our thoughts, emotions, hurts, and those who stirred them to God, the more God can heal and help the offender and the offended.
Agape love is sacrificial. It places the needs of the other before our own.
What or who would you like to release to God?
