Agapaō – John 13: 1b

Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.

The Greek word translated as “loved” in this verse is “agapaō.” Unlike English where we use the word, “love” for a variety of purposes, agapaō has a very specific meaning. The Strong’s Concordance defines this word as, “to love (in a social or moral sense).” This is not a possessive love, or a casual love, or even an emotional love. Agapaō is caring for someone who is not worth caring for. Agapaō is being patient with someone who doesn’t understand what you are trying to tell them. Agapaō is valuing a relationship in spite of the million obstacles that tend to come between people. Differences in opinions, beliefs, moods, wants, needs, and yes, even smell all conspire to frustrate love.

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