The Reality of True Agape Love

True agape love is a heaven-born principle that manifests as a consistent, unselfish interest in the well-being of others, springing spontaneously from a heart where Christ is merged with the soul1MCP 152.1+2. It is not a fitful impulse or a changeable feeling, but a sanctified principle that subdues evil tempers and brings the entire person into harmony with GodBEcho June 1, 1887, par. 14+1.

The Nature of True Love

• A Divine Attribute: Love is a heavenly attribute that illuminates the countenance, subdues the voice, and refines the deportment of its possessorAH 426.1.

• The Basis of Godliness: No person has pure love for God unless they also possess an unselfish love for their brotherCOL 384.2+1.

• Rooted in Humility: One of the chief characteristics of true love is humility, making the believer distrustful of self and little in their own eyesST February 24, 1890, par. 7+1.

• Spontaneous and Natural: When the love of Christ fills the heart, the impulse to help and bless others springs forth constantly from within as a second natureHvn 95.2+1.

How Love Acts in Daily Life

• Unselfish Ministry: True love is revealed through practical ministry to the needy, the sick, the discouraged, and the unfortunate1MR 224.3+2.

• Patience and Forbearance: It enables the Christian to exhibit the grace of patience, restraining impetuosity and fretfulness even under provocation19MR 94.1+1.

• Kindness in Speech: The law of kindness is on the lips of those governed by love, and they use words of tenderness and sympathy to witness to the truthRH March 24, 1904, par. 5+1.

• Thoughtful Courtesies: It is expressed through a thousand little attentions, pleasant looks, and acts of tender kindness that lighten the sorrows of others3T 539.2+1.

The Pattern of Christ’s Sacrifice

• The Example of the Cross: Christ’s self-sacrificing love is most powerfully revealed on the cross, where He gave everything He had and then gave Himself for the salvation of man9T 254.2+1.

• Ministering Spirit: The Savior’s whole life was one of unselfish service, demonstrating that He came not to be ministered unto, but to minister Matthew 20:28DA 642.2.

• A Voluntary Sacrifice: Jesus stepped down from the throne of the universe and laid aside His glory to bring life to the perishingDA 22.4+1.

• Love for the Unthankful: Following Christ's example means doing good to those who may not appreciate or respond to our effortsRH March 23, 1897, par. 8+1.

Biblical Definitions of Love

• The Attributes of Charity: Love suffers long and is kind; it does not envy, does not boast, is not puffed up, and does not seek its own interest 1 Corinthians 13:1-5SW January 1, 1901, par. 4.

• The Test of Discipleship: The world knows the disciples of Jesus by the love they manifest for one another John 13:34-351MCP 240.2.

• The Fulfillment of the Law: Supreme love for God and unselfish love for one’s neighbor are the two great principles upon which all the law and the prophets hangST October 2, 1901, par. 2.

• A Source of Unity: Christlike love binds heart to heart and soul to soul, producing a unity that resembles the union between the Father and the Son John 17:21-23KC 109.5+1.

The Fruits of Love

• Transformation of Character: The religion of Christ transforms the heart, making the selfish man unselfish and the dishonest man uprightHvn 95.2+1.

• Victory Over Self: True love melts away hatred, bitterness, prejudice, envy, and the desire for rivalry or ambitionCOL 101.3+1.

• Indescribable Peace: Meditation on the love of Christ fills the heart with holy joy and a peace that rolls into the heart like a river3BC 1147.8.

• Heavenly Atmosphere: A life of holy purpose and disinterested love is an argument in favor of the truth that unbelievers cannot gainsay or resist1MCP 240.2+1.