Ten Agape Traits of Jesus

In the life of Jesus ten ways of love are expressed in dramatic ways. TK ADD definition of agape. We find stories of his immense creativity as a teacher through the use of spellbinding parables, of his immense compassion for the suffering, of his quiet and attentive listening presence, of his energetic celebration of the lives around him with a cup of wine in hand, of his willingness to confront destructive and unjust behaviors, of his tremendous loyalty and commitment to his followers over time, of his respect for those who came to him, of his willingness to engage in even the most humble helping actions such as washing the feet of his disciples, of his profound forgiveness and love even of enemies, and even of his humor and uplifting mirth. TK TK

The Way of "Carefrontation"

Jesus was a master of caring confrontation. TK He practiced nonviolent resistance to evil, and it was in his teaching and example that would inspire Gandhi and the great African American Christian leaders of the civil rights movement. Jesus asked Peter to put down his sword; he said that those who live by the sword die by it. But he also confronted spiritual hypocrites and the many moneychangers who had set up shop in the Temple. He was constantly challenging people to think and act in the ways and power of love, and this meant that he had often to take the risk of confrontation when he saw destructive attitudes and behaviors around him.

Prayer: Lord, strengthen us in the courage to confront evil with wise love rather than malice.

The Way of Creativity

For 2000 years people have been reading the parables of Jesus because they are works of creative brilliance. The great parables of agape love are three: the Good Samaritan; the Prodigal Son; and the Widow's Mite. The first describes the power of compassionate response in terms that echo down through the ages, the second captures the unconditional love of a father even after he has been insulted by his son in every way imaginable, and the third shows how much it means when someone who has almost nothing gives a small contribution that clearly isn't easy. Jesus loved people through improvising stories galore, for he was a literary genius. He was also creative in resolving ethical disputes, offering Solomonic resolutions. He had an unusually free creative mind.

Prayer: Lord, use our creativity for the best purposes.