Agape’s Strongest Act
Selfless love or Agape - This is the most potent and most powerful form of love. It is defined by its characteristics of understanding, trust, vulnerability, and respect; along with the definitions and tiny nuances that come with each of those characteristics. There are many meanings and traits that can be associated with agape, but what is an act that can portray this love? This act, simple in essence and difficult in practice, is the strongest act of selfless love that encompasses all the previously listed characteristics. The act in question is - forgiveness.
Forgiveness is the cessation of anger and resentfulness towards a person or persons for an offense or mistake that they have committed. When a person is forgiven, they are no longer identified by the flaws of their past and are given the opportunity to be loved despite any indifferences. It is really easy to think of forgiveness as ignoring or avoidance but doing so just allows an individual to repeat a wrong and is far from what the act really is. Forgiveness, as mentioned before, is to love someone no matter what they have done in the past and in doing so, help the forgiven correct what is wronged and make them feel welcomed by others instead of giving them more reason to resent and hurt others.
Agape is fully portrayed by the act of forgiveness. When forgiving, gives way for people to understand why something hurt and the opportunity for people to rethink their actions of the past and think about their actions in the future. That understanding rebuilds trust that was either non-existent or damaged. With understanding and trust then comes vulnerability to continue to build said understanding and trust. In the end, that newly rebuilt foundation comes with mutual respect - an opportunity to be loved instead of identified by shameful actions and/or differing views.
Forgiveness is an ultimate selfless act of love because you’re then correcting a wrong with a right to give way for change and love, not a rejection or avoidance of a person for them to continue to do wrong and resent. Forgiveness does not mean avoiding until someone changes for them to feel welcomed. It is painfully and selflessly pushing for love so that change and respect are a road traveled by all.