Christian love, often described as Agape, is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It’s more than a feeling; it’s a deliberate choice, a selfless action, reflecting God’s unconditional love for humanity. This exploration delves into the essence of Christian love, its biblical foundations, and its practical implications in our lives today.
The Garden: Our First Meeting Place with God
The Garden of Eden symbolizes humanity’s initial intimacy with God. It was a place of connection, where the human and divine met in perfect harmony. As Bishop T.D. Jakes eloquently explains, “The earth is the Lord’s… but the garden is gonna be our meeting place.” This garden represents a space for affection, for spiritual connection – a place where humanity “hooks up” with divinity.
Losing and Rediscovering Intimacy
Sin fractured this perfect union, driving humanity from the garden and severing our intimacy with God. Adam and Eve, ashamed and afraid, hid from God, illustrating the distance sin creates between us and the divine. Yet, God actively seeks us out, calling, “Adam, where are you?” This reveals God’s relentless pursuit of relationship, His desire to restore the lost connection. The fig leaves, representing our attempts at self-justification and covering our shame, prove inadequate. True covering, true reconciliation, comes only through God’s grace.
The Tabernacle: A Sacred Meeting Place
Centuries later, the tabernacle in the wilderness became another designated meeting place. Positioned at the heart of the Israelite camp, it symbolized God’s desire to be at the center of our lives, not relegated to the periphery. The tabernacle, the “tent of meeting,” mirrored the Garden of Eden, signifying the ongoing pursuit of connection between God and His people.
Jesus: The Ultimate Meeting Place
Ultimately, God provided the ultimate meeting place in Jesus Christ. Jesus, both divine and human, bridges the gap between God and humanity. He is the connection point, the embodiment of Agape love. “In him I live, and move, and have my being,” proclaims the Apostle Paul, highlighting the profound union found in Christ. This union offers new life, a new creation, restoring the intimacy lost in Eden.
The Paraclete: Strength through Intimacy
As Jesus prepared to leave his disciples, he promised another comforter, the Holy Spirit, described in Greek as “parakletos.” This term signifies not just comfort, but also an advocate, a helper who stands alongside us. The Holy Spirit empowers us to face life’s challenges, providing strength beyond our own. This strength is not derived from human effort, but through intimacy with God. It’s in our connection with the divine, in our worship and praise, that we find the power to overcome.
The Power of Worship: Deepening Intimacy
True worship is key to experiencing this intimacy and accessing the strength it provides. It’s not merely attending church, but engaging in a deep, personal connection with God. It’s about surrendering our hearts, letting go of our fears and insecurities, and allowing God to fill us with His presence. This level of intimacy unlocks breakthroughs, provides guidance, and empowers us to do superhuman things. It’s in these moments of profound connection, when we lose ourselves in worship, that God’s transformative power is unleashed.
Embracing Intimacy with God
This year, many of us will face challenges that seem too great to bear. The weight of the world can feel overwhelming. But we are not alone. Through intimacy with God, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can find the strength, wisdom, and resilience to navigate whatever comes our way. It’s a call to shift our focus from the problem to the Provider, from the weight to the lifter. Embrace the intimacy of Christian love, and discover the boundless strength it offers.
