A brother once wrote some little pearls of wisdom about agape love. May it bless you as it has me to the judging of myself against Gods thoughts of real love.
First, Agape Love is unconditional, but this means it is without demands.
Including the demand that others respond the way we want.
Agape Love can ONLY be GIVEN.
It can NEVER be taken, demanded, expected or required.
If you are demanding, requiring or expecting anything in return,
then your love is not Agape Love.
My view is anytime you take a stance for the good of another, which risks their anger, disappointment or recrimination you are showing a Love, which is tough.
Real Love. Love which is just as tough on you, perhaps more so, than the other you are Loving.
The key phrase is "for the good of another."
This specifically excludes any actions for selfish reason, personal gain, manipulation, or personal agendas. Unfortunately the term which shall remain unspoken has been misused to justify evil towards another. (Tough love)
And THAT isn't love of any kind, "for the good of another."
And so to sum up it seems this phrase "for good of another" helps in applying a litmus test to our action if they are out of Gods love or for self. And all of this can only be applied by the Spirit.
