Being of Greek descent, I was familiar with the term “agape” and typically understood it to mean love. I thought I truly knew what love meant and felt like in life. However, life has this tremendous way of teaching us empowering lessons. You see, it wasn’t until my life had truly reached its lowest point that I experienced a spiritual awakening at a place I now call “home” – Grange Beach, South Australia (in fact, pathway 39).
A lesson on agape….
I was heartbroken, confused, and afraid. However, it was here (“home”) where I was graciously and spiritually shown and taught empowering life lessons, most notably about agape. Ever since that incredible Saturday morning on March 15, 2018, I have made a daily intention to continually seek, behave, and live in line with God’s unconditional love and His treasures within my heart. Because each new morning is a blessing and brings a new opportunity to live out those intentions in the best way we can.
So, I thought I knew what love truly was and more importantly what it truly felt like. It took for me to be at my lowest to begin my re-birth, delving deep within myself, and commence my heart-led journey forward – Spiritually, Mentally, Emotionally, and Physically.
Agape – an ancient Greek word that may not be part of our everyday vocabulary, yet the wholeness it signifies is as vital to our existence as the very air we breathe. Agape….the highest and purest form of love, is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. It is a beacon that guides us toward the deep truth within our unique and authentic hearts.
Within each of us lies an outstanding treasure chest that contains all the gracious gifts we are endowed with – being our Faith, Love, Hope, and Forgiveness. These are not just theoretical “words”, but are the gracious gifts that influence the essence of our relationships with other people and life itself.
Faith is the cornerstone, the core upon which we build our perception of the world. It is the trust we place in God, ourselves, and in the journey of life…. even when the path is either shrouded in mist or not visible. Faith is believing to see as appose to seeing to believe. It is a knowing that each step forward is towards growth, trusting the process and embracing the present moment. Simply put, nevertheless incredibly important is that we have to believe….believe we are not alone, believe in ourselves (that person we see every morning and every night in the mirror when brushing our teeth), and believe and trust in the journey of life.
Then there is Love. How can you love someone or something if you do not have love for yourself first? Love is the outstanding energy that connects the world and our very beings together. It is not just in the romantic whispers or grand gestures we see celebrated, but in the quiet acts of compassion and kindness….in the shared laughter over a coffee, and in the supportive silence between friends. Love is both the simplest and the deepest expression of our humanity. It is an endless journey that reveals a variety of experiences, from the serene graces of ordinary moments to the resiliency of the human spirit.
As you read these words, place your hand gently upon your heart. Feel the outstanding pulse of life within you, for you exist with a higher purpose. Listen closely to the whispers of your soul and let them guide you on this remarkable journey. Every blessed day, remain connected to your heart-led purpose, for it is not only yours to embrace but a gift to others. We are all a spirit having a human experience intricately connected and belonging to the beautiful journey of life. Deep within we all have a knowing called “our why”. Love is all around us, flowing through us and filling our days with joy, laughter, and tears. Embrace this love, give it your all, and share with the world.
And then there is our “guiding star” called Hope….the light that never extinguishes even in the darkest of places. It is the strong belief that tomorrow holds promise, that our dreams are worth nurturing, and that every one of us has a true place in this vast, beautiful journey of life. With hope, we are filled with optimism and the conviction that there are endless opportunities for success and growth in the world. The fact is, we all live in hope – we just don’t realise how powerful it is.
Hope fuels the journey towards rediscovering joy, confidence, and purpose. It guides us through life’s storms (such as self-doubt, broken trust, and the monotony of routine), to unlock a life filled with heart and genuine self-belief. Hope believes in our potential for an outstanding life. It gifts us the courage to face challenges, heal, transform, and awaken to the incredible possibilities within.
Then there is the gracious gift that is the highest form of love that liberates us all – Forgiveness. It is about releasing the emotional and toxic shackles and chains of the past that weigh us down and limit us from embracing and enjoying the outstanding moments today.
It is important to understand that forgiveness is not about forgetting the scars or rewriting the past….No! Forgiving is the ultimate act of self-love as it frees us to live in the present, savour the joy, and embrace the confidence to lead with a heart full of purpose.
Forgiveness is a continuous journey towards inner peace, practiced daily for us and for others. Just as we ask for God’s forgiveness, we too must strive to forgive others and ourselves. Humans sin and make mistakes, yet it is through these mistakes that we learn valuable lessons and hence create outstanding opportunities for growth. Imagine a world lacking forgiveness, where neither others nor we are forgiven. Such a world would surely be gloomy. Oh dear!
“Agape love is selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love. It is the highest of the four types of love in the Bible.”
So how do we unlock this treasure chest? How do we ensure that our agape is not just a “word”, but a living, breathing part of our daily existence?
To live in agape, we must first look within and acknowledge our inherent worth. Our authenticity is the key. It is in the reflection of our true selves that we find the courage to express genuine love, to trust even when we have been let down, to hope when pessimism knocks, and to forgive when holding on seems easier.
In the authentic treasures of our hearts, we find Faith that empowers us to believe in our ability to overcome challenges. We find Love that urges us to connect deeply and without reservation. We discover Hope that keeps us resilient in the face of adversity. And we find Forgiveness that allows us to let go of grudges and heal from within, ensuring we are not anchored to past pains but are free to experience the present fully.
You hold the key to your happiness in life!
This treasure chest of agape within us is the source of true contentment and success. It is not measured by material wealth or external accolades but by the richness of our relationships and the joy we find in everyday moments. Living rich in heart. Each of us has the power to unlock these treasures within our hearts. Again….you hold the key!
Since that incredible Saturday morning on March 15, 2018, my journey as a Coach, has seen firsthand how embracing agape positively transforms lives. It is about finding and re-igniting that inner spark, that lights up allowing you to shine forward and others along the way. Inviting yourself and realising that you have the power to be an outstanding human being….not just for yourself, but for your family, friends and the world. Joyously, confidently, and positively shining bright via the authenticity of your soul.
Think of agape like an elegantly, pure white Dove. Well, agape is not meant to be caged or displayed as a trophy. It is meant to soar freely, touching lives and healing wounds with its gentle grace and peace. Agape has no boundaries, no force, and is limitless.
I hope this insight enlightens the outstanding journey of discovering agape within us. There is a beginning yet no end to this outstanding journey. As we unlock the treasure chest within our hearts, revealing the rich, authentic gifts that empower us to live fully….through our faith, love, hope, and forgiveness.
Clearly, the quality of your agape determines the quality of your life. So, nurture your faith, give love freely, hold onto hope, and practice forgiveness. These are the gifts of your authentic and genuine heart….cherish them, share them, and let them guide you to a life of happiness and fulfillment.
Live Your Life Now
Sava
