Manna for the Mind by Tari Cox, M.A.

A NON-TRADITIONAL LOVE by TARI COX, M.A

Have you ever wondered what motivates an onlooker or bystanders to act on behalf of a person in danger while putting themselves at risk? Are they moved by the instantaneous weight of responsibility that others are watching? Or are they greeted with the idea of long-term remorse, should they choose to remain uninvolved? Or is it the great compassion that grips them all at once?

Perhaps it’s because we were all wired this way — to react to the impulse of altruism. Perhaps it’s because Christ first loved us, and our initial reflex is akin to His very nature.

“We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Society’s depiction of love is described not only as a feeling, but also as an ordinary experience that we’re all capable of having. It’s deemed to be cherished when found, but not valued for simply existing.

It’s romanticized greatly when found between lovers, but honored less when it’s the foundation of covenant found in friendship.

The truth is, love is a supernatural experience and the embodiment of Jesus Christ.

Love is universal and thus meant to be a caveat for Jesus being accessible to all.

And while there are many types, there’s a form of love that discounts personal gain, embraces pain, and remains steadfast at all costs, known as agape love.

Agape love denies the moral right to request an exchange, to receive anything in return, for love that’s freely given.

It’s selfless. It’s daring. It’s devoted.

And it chooses to remain defenseless when reality comes with a craving for entitlement. It opts to become undignified when seeking to honor others, no matter the circumstances.

It is this form of love that was always meant to change the world.

Agape love is what we are to imitate as the beloved of the Holy One.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2).

To be an imitator is to emulate the behavior or actions of another. This charges us to reflect the love of Jesus with all.

It is necessary to explore this form of love because it is the highest standard man can reference to fulfill the Great Commission. Yet, it is the most relatable form of love as a choice and not an obligation, due to the One who displayed it first.

“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:2).

Jesus knew this wouldn’t be easy. He knew it would come with suffering.

He knew mercy, compassion, and grace would be necessary to extend and receive this love.

But Jesus is the only One who will never ask us to do something that He did not exude, fulfill, or display in the limitations of His humanity.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7-8).

Agape love is meant to challenge you. Correct you. Edify you. Teach you. Train you. Assist you. And grow you.

Tari Cox, M.A.

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God”

- EPHESIANS 5:1-2