Have you ever heard the words "I love you" from someone you really believed to be your friend, only to find out later that this same person talked behind your back, gossiped about you, and didn't treat you the way a real friend should?
If you confronted that person about his actions, did he admit what he did and apologize for it? Or did he lie and try to cover up his deeds, even though you already knew the facts? Did it deeply disturb you to see him put on a fake face and pretend that he was your best friend and that none of the allegations were true, even though you knew he was lying?
If you have ever experienced a situation like this, you know how very hurtful it is when a "so-called" friend behaves this way. It shows a level of hypocrisy that is deeply disturbing. This type of behavior should never occur among believers, but unfortunately it does from time to time.
To make sure you never fall into this kind of hypocrisy, the apostle Paul wrote and told you, "Let love be without dissimulation."
Love as it is used here refers to the Greek word agape, a word that describes the highest, finest, and most noble kind of love. In the New Testament, it is the single word that is used to describe the love of God. The word agape is so filled with deep emotion and meaning that it is one of the most difficult words to translate in the New Testament. It is perfect, clear without judgments or requirements!
Agape occurs when an individual accepts, recognizes, understands, or appreciates the value of a person, or circumstance causing the viewer to behold this time in life or person in great esteem, awe, admiration, wonder, and sincere appreciation... Unconditional... To lie down or surrender all that is impure and unjust in it all or in the person. That bible tells us it is all GOOD. Such great respect is awakened in the heart of the observer for the circumstance or person he is beholding that he is compelled to love and love through it. In fact, his love for that person or object is so strong that it is irresistible. God works all things together for His good. Awe to see through the eyes of our spiritual heart!
Perhaps the best example of agape is found in John 3:16:
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." "Love" in this passage refers to God's agape love for us. You see, the human race was so precious to God and He loved man so deeply that His heart was stirred to reach out and do something to save him. In other words, God's love drove Him to action. God's agape love was so profound that it knew no limits or boundaries in how far, wide, high, and deep He went to show His love for us. If necessary, agape love will even sacrifice itself for the sake of that situation or person it so deeply cherishes.. You can see from this description why agape is the highest, finest, and most noble form of love. This is precisely the kind of love that should exist between believers and believers in their ! life's walk.
The apostle John also wrote, "My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth" (1 John 3:18). Here, John is trying to define "Agape Love", he makes it very clear that real agape love is not merely a matter of speaking easy and empty words; rather it is accompanied by actions that are truthful (actions speak louder than words). It is hypocritical to claim to possess such love while at the same time engaging in unfaithful behavior such as backbiting and gossiping.
We all need to activate God's "Agape Love" which is forgiving and helpful, willing even to sacrifice oneself for the sake of someone else.
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