A Latte Agape

Hey girl hey! Welcoming you back with so much love, and if you’re new here? Welcoming you also with so much love!

I love that you are here, and if no one has told you today…I want to tell you that I love YOU with the abundant love of Christ.

Just to reiterate the purpose and prayer for this series: that we don’t just read about His love, but truly experience it in a fresh and personal way. This season, I want God to reveal His love to you in new ways, and I invite you to fall in love with Jesus all over again.

Now grab your latte, tea, or coffee, girl, and let’s dive deeper into what love really means.

While preparing for this devotional, God reminded me of a word I’ve heard mentioned before but never truly unpacked: AGAPE.

Agape is the Greek word used throughout the New Testament to describe the highest form of love. The kind of love that God has for us, and the kind of love He calls us to extend to others.

Now, you won’t see the actual word “agape” written in your English Bible. Instead, it’s usually translated simply as “love.” But when we look at the original Greek language of the New Testament, agape stands out as something deeper than just affection or emotion. It points to a love that is unconditional, sacrificial, and steady—the very love of God Himself.

Unconditional

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, NIV)

Agape is unconditional. God’s love is not like human love. It’s not based on circumstances or conditions. We are loved freely and wholeheartedly, not because of our works or performance.

As believers, this truth is essential to understand. If not, we can slip into a performative mindset, believing that God’s love for us changes based on what we do or don’t do. But Sis, God knew you and loved you before you were even a thought in your parents’ minds. That same love He had for you then is the same love He has for you today.

It doesn’t “switch up.” Yes, even with the obstacles you’ve faced, the poor choices you’ve made, and the flaws you tally daily. God’s love doesn’t falter. His unconditional love is deep, real, raw, and something we will only ever fully receive from Him.

Sacrificial

“For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV)

Agape is sacrificial. God’s love for us is truly mind-blowing. And while my prayer for this series is that we grow deeper in understanding His love, the truth is our human minds will never be able to fully grasp just how deep His love really is.

Think about this: God loves us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to die on the cross so we, broken and sinful, could be reconciled back to Him. Jesus literally sacrificed His life. He endured excruciating pain, persecution, ridicule, betrayal, and rejection all for us.

And here’s the wild part: He did it knowing some would still reject Him. That isn’t a love rooted in selfishness or pride. It’s a love grounded in patience, compassion, and grace.

Steady

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV)

Agape is steady. It is patient, kind, and unwavering. No matter what you have done or will do, God will always love you, Sis. His love for everyone is the same, and it never changes.

The word that comes to mind is anchored. God’s love is steadfast, unshakeable, unmovable, consistent, and dependable. Unlike the temporary or broken love we experience on earth, His love is secure.

So when heartbreak, betrayal, or disappointments rock your heart, all you have to do is run to your Father. He will wrap you up in His steady love—warm, inviting, and cozy just like the fall season.

When we pause to reflect on a love like this, sacrificial, patient, and full of grace, the only response left is to bow our hearts in gratitude and prayer.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, My God in Heaven,

I thank You, Lord, for loving me before I was even formed in my mother’s womb. You love me so much and so deeply that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to die on the cross in order for me to be reconciled back to You. Because of this free gift and sacrificial choice, I can live eternally with You.

Thank You for loving me despite my flaws. Your love is unconditional, sacrificial, and steady. If it weren’t for Your love, I don’t know who or where I would be. It is Your love that saved me and still carries me today. Lord, cleanse and mend my heart so that I can love myself and love my neighbor the way You have called me to.

Open my mind so that I can truly grasp how much You care and love me. Show me how to forgive others the way You have forgiven me. Deepen my love for You so that our relationship can grow in this season. May I walk in love every day, all day, not performing for Your love, but living my life in a way that honors You and demonstrates Your love here on earth.

Thank You for loving me for me.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scriptures to meditate on this week:

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, NIV)

“For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV)

“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV)