Love is an attribute of God the seed of which is implanted within at the New Birth. Jesus said “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” John 13:35. This love (Greek, Agape) is not just an emotional feeling that we tend to associate with love, rather it is a purposeful, determined attitude that is always seeking to “do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” Galatians 6:10. This is the highest form of love that does not select its object by status, actions, or appearance; it wants to reach out to lift up, encourage, and help anyone and everyone without considering anything in return! It is described at length in 1 Corinthians 13 where every time love (charity KJV) appears it is from Agape While the seed is implanted in us at the New Birth just like God planted the garden in Genesis 2:8 where He placed Adam who was “to tend and keep it” verse 15, even so it is our responsibility to cultivate and care for that seed of love. Peter writes in his second epistle, 1:5-7, telling Christians to add love along with other attributes to their initial faith. It is one of those things God gives the ability for but that we must implement by our will into our lifestyle! John Gill says, “Faith leads the van charity brings up the rear”
What Is Love?
Selected by Rose Hill, author unknown
Love is an attitude – love is a prayer,
For a soul in sorrow, a heart in despair.
Love is good wishes for the gain of another,
Love suffers long with the fault of a brother.
Love giveth water to a cup that’s run dry,
Love reaches low as it can reach high.
Seeks not her own at the expense of another,
Love reaches God when it reaches our brother.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.