Most of the time what we call "Radical Love" is really just good old "Biblical Love." We refer to it as radical because it is much more than anything commonly experienced or given. Biblical love is complete abandonment of self for another. Jesus demonstrated this kind of love for us when He went to the Cross for our sins. How could He be any more "selfless" than to offer His life in our place? He suffered the curse, wrath and death due us for what WE had done in rebellion against God!
Often, we consider the love of Jesus and give ourselves a pass from the responsibility to love likewise. Yet nowhere in Scripture do we find a permissive statement which allows anything less than complete love of God and the resultant love for others. Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength" and "Love your neighbor as yourself." In each command, the Greek word translated into English as "love" is "Agape." This type of love is both defined and illustrated best when we look to the Cross of Jesus. "Agape" is the complete giving of oneself. God desires, even expects, each of us to completely give ourself to Him and in turn love others with the same kind of love He demonstrated when He went on the Cross. The ability to love others this way happens when we first love God in the way He desires from us.
Will you choose Biblical love today?
James
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