We define a disciple as someone who is pursuing Jesus, becoming like Jesus, and BEing on the mission of Jesus.
Love comes from God. Love was modeled by God. Love is commanded. Not the love for football or beach vacations. The original Greek word for love followers of Jesus are to have toward Him and our neighbor is agapē,
Biblical agapē love is the love of choice, the love of serving with humility, the highest kind of love, the noblest kind of devotion, the love of the will (intentional, a conscious choice) and not motivated by superficial appearance, emotional attraction, or sentimental relationship. Agapē is not based on pleasant emotions or good feelings that might result from a physical attraction or a familial bond. Agapē chooses as an act of self-sacrifice to serve the recipient. From all of the descriptions of agapē love, it is clear in scripture that true agapē love is a sure mark of salvation.
Biblical agapē love is the love of choice, the love of serving with humility, the highest kind of love, the noblest kind of devotion, the love of the will (intentional, a conscious choice) and not motivated by superficial appearance, emotional attraction, or sentimental relationship. Agapē is not based on pleasant emotions or good feelings that might result from a physical attraction or a familial bond. Agapē chooses as an act of self-sacrifice to serve the recipient. From all of the descriptions of agapē love, it is clear in scripture that true agapē love is a sure mark of salvation.
"7 Beloved, let’s love one another; for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 By this the love of God was revealed in us, that God has sent His only Son into the world so that we may live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." -- 1 John 4:7
The following sampling of devotions from the YouVersion Bible app, are intended to help you (and your family) begin practicing the rhythm of loving God and one another well:
4 Days
Youth or Adult
When someone takes a shot at you, it’s instinct to fire back – in the line-up and in life. Jesus’ teaching to “love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you” is completely counter-cultural, but… is it also the way to gain God’s favour? Join Christian Surfers’ communications manager, Cyle Myers to discover how you can love your enemy… and the unexpected blessings that flow from that decision.
7 Days
Youth or Adult
Loving others is one of the most important and difficult commands Jesus gave us. We are messy, needy, and broken people. We constantly have to deal with our wounds and the wounds of others, but if we can learn to love others well, a rich and life-giving relationship will be our reward. May you receive the love of your Father given you by his grace and be empowered to love others.
10 Days
Youth or Adult
When asked what the greatest commandment of the law was, Jesus said that we should love the Lord our God with everything, and love our neighbor as ourselves. This plan is a journey, expanding on what it means to love our neighbor as Jesus instructed. Join us as we delve deeper into understanding God's heart for people and how we can practically apply this incredible commandment.
10 Days
Youth or Adult
What if we don’t have to travel far to get close to people who are distant from God? What if Christians were the best neighbors? Would your street change? Would heaven be fuller? A long time ago, a religious leader asked Jesus how to get into heaven. Jesus answered with a question, then the story of the Good Neighbor. No surprise, 2000 years later Jesus’ story still explains how to neighbor. Discover a practical, story-filled guide to meeting your neighbors and loving them as yourself. But don’t just read it—live it!
20 Days
Family & Kids
Jesus told us what’s most important—love God. And next, love one another. Mike, Ray, Alissa, Clint, and Cruz from the Konnect Space Station love watching a show all about loving one another! Watch videos from "That’s It!" with them each day! For Parents: Your child will have a deeper understanding of each day’s video, reading, and questions if you complete this plan with them
47 Days
Youth or Adult
In this reading plan, we’ll go verse-by-verse through 1 John, exploring the incarnation of Christ and our call to love. Find out what it truly means to walk in the light of Jesus and live as His follower as you discover why the credibility of the message can’t be separated from the lives of those who proclaim the message.