"Agape Love" By Mikayla Sharif

Agape Love

Love is one of those things we can’t explicitly define. Love is personal, love is complicated, love is one of the most powerful and endearing forces that draws two people together. One of the most famous definitions of love, taken from the Bible, states, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-7). True, genuine, agape love, is rare, tying two souls together as one. Love is not merely romantic, but can be relational between friends as well because love is limitless. Love is when you accept others for everything that they are, their past, their insecurities, their fears, and provide a safe haven for them to return to without judgment. Love serves as a shield protecting another’s heart and mind, even from themselves. You bring each other up, even when you’re at your lowest. It doesn’t ask for anything in return because love seeks to better the other and build your relationship with them. You see them as a human being, someone’s child, someone’s friend, someone deserving of receiving kindness and care. Love is sacrifice. Putting aside one’s own ego to acknowledge the needs of the other, out of pure desire and will to show up, not because you think you have to. You put them first, still acknowledging your responsibilities, but realizing that every decision you make has them in the back of your mind. You want to better yourself for them. You put things aside to show up for them in times of need, even when you’re tired yourself.Love is commitment. Giving yourself entirely to another, being authentically yourself with them. Keeping promises, even when it seems difficult, choosing them in moments of happiness, but also in doubt, frustration, and distance. It is consistency with actions, proving always that your words hold meaning. Waking up every morning choosing to love that person time and time again, because you want to, you need to, and your life feels complete with them. Love is unconditional. It’s the conscious decision to support, accept, maintain, and honor the relationship that has been built despite disagreements, hardships, and separation. It does not mean perfection, but rather the willingness to stay, to work through things together. Love is presence. Even in the quiet, unspoken moments, you can sit together peacefully with a sense of calm. Presence is not just physical, but mental, and emotional, giving your undivided time, attention, and care. It’s not letting the little moments slip away. It’s wanting to keep this person in your life because you want them and see them in your future, but it’s not jeopardizing the current moments we are blessed to have with them. Tomorrow is never promised, so hold onto every smile, every hug, every laugh, and don’t let go. Love is growth. Life is filled with uncertainty that can cause us to question the relationships and trust we built. But love challenges us to comfort parts of us we may not understand, but we love despite the parts that aren’t “pretty”. This growth encourages change, not from obligation, but a desire to become better for one another, evolving together, learning one another’s needs, while allowing space for personal growth. For me, love is holding a friend after a long day, providing words of encouragement, bringing them a treat when they’re not well, providing a shoulder to lean on, being the calm in their storm, not letting things push us apart, remembering the little things that are important to each other, being a reason they smile and feel wanted and loved every day without doubt. Love is when even at the end of a long day, no matter how tired you are, seeing the person you love makes every problem and pain disappear. Love sees the beauty in them for everything that they are. Love brings us closer to God and our faith.