Choosing to Love
Jesus taught that love must not be selective. His followers are to love all people, regardless of how unlovely or even hostile they may be. They also must act on that love by being willing to do good when it is in their power to do it. There are several words for love in Greek. The word used here isagape, meaning the kind of love shown even when the one loved has no merit for that love. It is love that must be chosen and willed.
All people have experiencedagapefrom God. God loved the world even while people were sinful and rebellious. God willed to love his people and sent his Son to die for them, not because they deserved it or had any merit, but only because of God%u2019s love. Those who have experienced God%u2019s love understand what it means to be loved undeservedly. People who were once enemies of God and have joined his family can understand what it means tolove your enemies.Only with the help of God%u2019s Spirit can his peopledo good to those who hatethem,pray for the happiness of those who cursethem, andpray for those who hurtthem (see Romans 12:14-21). When believers are hated, cursed, and hurt, they are to respond with love.
Life Application New Testament Commentary.
Created over 1 year ago
