Agape', Huh?

You are not a very loving person! Can you hear this phrase spat at Jesus or Paul or Peter or one of the other apostles? If they appeared here in our time and our churches they would hear it constantly. Along with several other words and phrases, it would be branded onto them as a label. They would be avoided and cut down behind their backs. Love has been unjustly transformed into a romanticized and flowery concept instead of an action. Contrary to popular belief, love is not a feel good proposition. When practiced it generally gets you ostracized and even persecuted. It cries out against the harmful and extols the good and helpful. It says no to its’ children and stands firm in the face of all the arguments presented, even when it is in danger of being hated and despised. It dies on a cross while the objects of its affection stand around and laugh and mock and say they’re glad it is dead and gone. It then endures the accusations that its work was all a fraud and done for personal motives. It patiently waits for those accusers to realize the truth and turn and embrace it. It doesn’t tell those accusers that they are going to be ok traveling the dangerous path they are on. It doesn’t depend on acceptance of the masses for it’s worth.
If you were speeding down a road and suddenly I was standing in your way, telling you that a bridge was out and you were seconds from plunging to your death, would you be grateful? Or would you speed on past and curse me until you were over the brink? Think of that next time someone who loves you tries to interject themselves into your self-destruction. And for Heaven’s sake don’t accuse them of hatred or bigotry. Just thank God that He sent them to help.