Youth Ministry Blog

Hey y’all!

First of all, I really hope you get the reference in the title of this post. If not, I'm getting too old...

In the Greek language, there are many words for “love”. There’s eros for romantic love, philia for deep friendship, storge for familial love, and agape for empathetic, selfless love. What kind of love is God? What kind of love does He call us to? If you said agape, you’re correct.

St. Thomas Aquinas said that to love is to will the good of another. Everyone has the same ultimate good - eternity with God in heaven. So if we truly love somebody, we both desire their salvation and work to help them achieve it. What does this mean? It means putting the needs of others before our own. It means having tough conversations when our loved ones are engaging in sinful behaviors. It means doing what’s actually best for someone instead of what will just make them happy in the moment. 

The term “God is love” has been used to justify all types of sin, even though it’s straight out of the Bible (1 John 4:8). This is ironic because true love detests and destroys sin. If we love others the way God loves us and the way He calls us to love, we won’t do anything or want anything that leads them to sin. 

So why is the love of God agape? This is the case because of the cross. The love of God shown on the cross is selfless, empathetic, sacrificial love. It’s a love that goes beyond what is easy and convenient. It’s a love that doesn’t rely on emotions. It’s a love that is true and steadfast and good. We are called to this kind of love for our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are called to desire and work towards the salvation of others in all we do and say. Agape is the love that our Lord talks about in Mark 12:28-34 when He gives the greatest commandment. All of the other commandments, all of the Beatitudes, and all of the teachings of the Church stem from agape for God and others. 

I encourage you to reflect on all of your relationships, including your relationship with God. Is agape present? If not, how can you incorporate it into these relationships? Is there something you need to do or stop doing? Is there something you need to say or stop saying? Is there an apology you need to make or a person you need to forgive? Remember, love is not based on emotions - it’s an action word. When we truly love someone, we choose to desire and work towards their good again and again, even when it’s difficult.  

That’s all for now. Know of my prayers for you and your families, and please keep me and this ministry in your prayers.

Peace of Christ,

Miss Jessica

A.M.D.G.