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Agape Love "Simon, son of the dove, do you have more compassion for me than the others?"* He said, "Yes [indeed,] my Lord, you know that I have [great] affection for you." Jesus said to him, "Shepherd my rams." 16[Jesus] said to him again a second time, "Simon, son of the Dove, do you have compassion for me?" He said, "Yes [indeed,] my Lord, you know that I have [great] affection for you." Jesus said to him, "Shepherd my sheep." 17 [Jesus] said again to him a third time, "Simon, son of the Dove, do you have compassion for me?" And it affected the Rock that he told him three times that, "Do you have compassion for me?" And he said to him, "My Lord, you command* everything, you know that I have great affection for you." Jesus told him, "Shepherd my ewes.” (John 21:15-17) The difference between compassion and affection is the difference between agape love and phileo love. Phileo love is affection = a bent of the mind (or) a leaning or inclination towards someone or something [a child has a bent towards piano playing or football] In other words he sets His mind toward this. You can say “I love football” or “I love that outfit you are wearing” or “I love you, man.” I am saying I have a fondness for you or that thing. Romans 12:10 “Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” explains this. Colossians 3:2 says: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Jesus wanted Peter to see affection was not enough. In fact, it can be harmful. Romans explains what happens when our affections become perverted. We begin to desire and set our minds on evil intentions until we have convinced ourselves that it is normal. But God’s Word tells us to be carnally minded is death. To leave our affections without some guard will open us up to a reprobate mind according to Rom.1:29-30 – “...unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, envy, murder, debate, deceit, maligning, whisperer, backbiter, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boaster, inventor of evil things, disobedient., without understanding, covenant breaker, without natural affection, ruthless, merciless.” All of this happens because of vain imaginations that are not dealt with and by not retaining the thought of God in their minds. [Affections instead of agape.] I believe Peter knew exactly what Jesus was asking him. He wasn’t going to lie about it because Peter had great affection for the Lord. But there was a quality about Peter’s life that was missing – compassion. [This is where most people are today.] Compassion, which is agape love, is much greater than affection. And I hope to show you where you stand today in the Agape love of God. Do you truly love the Lord God or do you simply have affection for Him? Compassion = with passion. It has many variables, but first let us see what it isn’t. Without passion a person is lukewarm, expresses no passion, meaning there is neither excitement nor emotion – to be passive. To be without compassion moves people only by their outward circumstances – or that which is impressed upon their minds such as fear, happiness, grief, affection, or hate; but it never touches their heart. A person with compassion is filled with emotions of zeal, and excitement, sorrow and anger. To be passionate is to be moved from the innermost being. Without passion a person just doesn’t care about what is happening any place except in his own life. Without passion a person is not obedient, submissive, prayerful, or unresisting. Compassion includes mercy and pity. This is agape love: Mercy and Pity - This is the character of God. This is the character of a godly person. Jud 1:22 “And of some have compassion, making a difference.” Make a difference in life; be merciful! Mar 5:19 “Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee.” What was the evidence that He had compassion? Because those under demonic influence were ministered to [vrs.15 – “in his right mind”]. When people are not in their right mind they need compassion. Our society is stressing this in every walk today – see a therapist. We need to be compassionate and reach out and give them the love of God – show them mercy. This is reiterated over and over again when Jesus prayed for those being tormented with disease and evil. Jesus was moved with compassion toward the leper who begged him for help. Mercy came from the innermost part of his being. (to be continued) -Pr. Steve May Newsletter 2006 | Agape Love | Kingdom First part 1 of 2 Pastor's Journal May 2005 | A Chosen People | Exaltation - Whose? part 2 of 3 |
Biblical Counseling for Leaders
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