Agape, and its verb form agapao, is one of the several Greek words for love. Agape love is a little different. It is not a feeling; it’s a motivation for action that we are free to choose or reject. Agape is a sacrificial love that voluntarily suffers inconvenience, discomfort, and even death for the benefit of another without expecting anything in return.
Loving Like Jesus
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37—40
Jesus tells us that the greatest commandment is to love God, others and ourselves. We have gotten away from loving people like Jesus did. A judgmental spirit has entered the hearts of many people and it is one of the reasons we have not seen any major moves or revivals. God is healing us and restoring the simplistic love Jesus showed to people. God is calling us to love people that are different than ourselves. This means people of different political parties, lifestyles and beliefs.
Change in love
God is releasing a new wave of His love and mercy to help offset a negative, legalistic view of God that has gotten ingrained into many people’s beliefs. A big sign of this is when you see people moving from grace and mercy to rules and judgment. God is love and He is calling us to have love and compassion.
When we stand too firm for what we believe we can lose touch with grace, mercy and God’s heart for people in need around us. God is revealing these negative beliefs now. The best way to deal with it if you find yourself doing some of these things is to repent and be humble toward others.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
Standing for the truth without having love can move us into a place of losing touch with the heart of God for people in need. We are not called to battle with or hate people who have lifestyles and beliefs that are different than ours. Loving others is what will win people and change their hearts. We must be flexible and full of grace in this new season. Love will conquer all.
God is a loving father not an angry judge
One major change that is being released is how we view God. He is a loving Father and not an angry judge. God is not mad at you or punishing you for things you do. God is not punishing the U.S. or judging us right now. God the Father truly is who Jesus said He is.
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8
It is interesting that many people who deal harshly with those who are not Christians are most often the very ones that see Him as an angry judge. As we clear up our view of who God really is then we will live a life free of guilt. Then we can more easily receive God’s love and mercy for ourselves and give it away to others.
Change in political Christianity
Jesus came and introduced a fresh new look into the Kingdom of God. He lived in a time when religion had lost its effectiveness and a cold and political religious spirit was in charge. This is very similar to our time right now. Jesus set an example for us to love people and not get sidetracked into political battles.
Jesus never took a political stand against people. In fact, His only political battle was for the Kingdom of God and not that of Earth. 2016 is a time when we will be getting back to the basics of love and the work of the Kingdom. Combining politics with Christianity is not on God’s agenda in this new movement. Yes, we can still be political and vote, but using politics to reject people is not God’s heart. God is not with one particular party but will move on leaders who will listen to His voice and display justice and love.
Spirit of Elijah is going to come
This next move of God will require reconciliation between generations because many Christians have dealt harshly with others and have not shown mercy. Standing up for their beliefs and the truth has inadvertently pushed others farther away from God, and in many cases, into deeper darkness. We hold the keys to bringing reconciliation.
“And he will go on before the LORD, in the spirit and power LORD, in the spirit and power LORD of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous–to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Luke 1:17 .”
We cannot expect to see anyone turn to God without first humbling ourselves as parents and spiritual parents toward our children. It is time for the parents (spiritual and biological) to ask forgiveness for judging them for their beliefs and lifestyles. You do not have to agree with a person to love them. Extending love is a powerful weapon that has been overlooked.
Spiritual logjams God showed me that many people are suffering from cloudy vision and confusion because they have a critical spirit. When we judge others we can block blessings from flowing to us. Consider these verses that have to do with giving:
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37—38
People are suffering from spiritual logjams. For the most part it is from holding judgments against others.
“Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3
Overall it is a time of major transition.
Things are going to start to flow more freely. God is going to reveal a strategy that you need to flow in His will and timing for the next few years. God is gracious and is preparing you for increase! Remember to rise above your current circumstance and do not let anything stop you! Ask God if you have any areas of blindness due to a “log of judgment” in your eye. Ask for forgiveness and watch what will happen.