Bible

[husker]

The noblest form of love, however, was agape. William Barclay, in his superb discussion of this word, noted that "Agape has to do with the mind: it is not simply an emotion which rises unbidden in our hearts; it is a principle by which we deliberately live" It is the kind of love that we must have for all men — even our enemies (Matt. 5:44). The Christian must always act out of love, i.e., in the best interest of his fellow human beings. Unquestionably, the most exhaustive treatment of what this kind of love involves is found in 1st Corinthians, chapter 13. Within this context, the inspired apostle gives more than a dozen descriptives which regulate the operation of agape love. And what a challenge they are. To study them carefully is to come to the rude awakening of how far we fall short of measuring up to the divine ideal of concern for others.

Love is long-suffering. The word makrothumei literally hints of taking a long time to get hot! In the New Testament, it has to do with how one should respond to abuse. Love patiently waits and attempts to win over one’s adversary.
William Barclay tells the enlightening story of how Edwin Stanton was the bitter opponent of Abraham Lincoln in the early days of their political careers. Stanton characterized the awkward-looking Lincoln as a clown, a gorilla, etc. When Lincoln became president, however, he appointed Stanton as his secretary of war, because he felt that he was the best man for the job. Later, when President Lincoln lay dead from Booth’s bullet, at the bedside Stanton tearfully said: "There lies the greatest ruler of men the world has ever seen."

Love is kind. A wise man declared: "That which makes a man to be desired is his kindness" (Prov. 19:22). Kindness includes attributes like friendliness, compassion, generosity, and tenderness. To be kind is to be God-like (Luke 6:35).
In a world that is saturated with harshness, a kind disposition is a refreshing breeze. There is many a woman who would trade a handsome husband for a kind one. Kindness would stifle the plague of child abuse. More kindness among brothers in the Lord would alleviate so much church trouble.

http://www.lifeaudio.com/ministries/lwf/main/talkInfo.jhtml?id=2547&JServSessionIdroot=suhdvhvvl...