UNFOLDED · AGAPĒ

Today’s Menu 📖

• Word Brief – what agapē really means

• Verse Spotlight – 3 key passages

• Why It Matters – everyday impact

• 60‑Second Practice – live it today

Read Time: 3 Minutes

1 · Word Snapshot 🎯

Agapē (uh‑GAH‑pay) is the Greek noun for self‑giving love—choosing another’s good before your own.

Root verb: agapaō, “to value, to welcome, to prefer.”
Literally: love that acts, not just feels.

Appears in the Greek New Testament (NT) 116 times.

In classical Greek it was rare; NT writers loaded it with fresh meaning to describe God’s posture toward us.

Plain English: agapē means doing what’s best for someone—even when it costs you.

2 · Verse Spotlight 📖

“For God so loved (agapaō) the world…” — John 3:16

“Love (agapē) is patient, love is kind…” — 1 Cor 13:4‑7

“In this the love (agapē) of God was made manifest…” — 1 John 4:9‑10

All three show agapē as action first—love in work boots.

Pro tip: when you spot love in Scripture, ask “Is this agapē?” If yes, think choice + sacrifice, not mere sentiment.

3 · Why It Matters Today ✨

• Choose before you feel – feelings follow decisions; start with the choice to serve.

• Give without scoreboard – agapē loves when nothing comes back.

• Stretch your circle – it reaches enemies and strangers, not just friends.

These three shifts turn cliché love into concrete action.

4 · 60‑Second Practice ⏱️

1. Name one person you find hard to love today.

2. Ask: “What small good could I do for them in the next 24 h?”

3. Do it—message, favor, silent prayer, or giving them the last slice.

Love isn’t love until it moves.

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