#TheLoveChallenge

          “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him” ~ John 3:16-17

John 3:16 highlights what I like to think is the greatest act of love known to mankind. He so loved you, that He was willing to sacrifice His only son. He so loved you that while you were yet a sinner He died for your sins. He died because of love, not because of faith nor hope, but simply because of love.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love ~ 1 Corinthians 13:13.

They say February is the “month of love” and the world will soon celebrate the well anticipated day in February: Valentine’s day. Though it’s often celebrated among lovers, it can also be celebrated with friends, families, and anyone dear to you.

Love, while often limited and regarded as simply mushy is very powerful. It’s so powerful that among faith, hope, and love; love is the greatest of all three. God understood the power of love that He made love the only commandment: that you love the Lord your God with all your heart and love your neighbour as yourself. Love softens; love binds; love gives; love listens; love forgives; love celebrates; love calms; love is more than a mushy feeling—love acts.

Love, as you may already know, have a thousand and one definition. But according to Ancient Greeks, there are eight types of love. I will highlight only two: Philautia and Agape love.

Philautia Love

Philautia is self love. To love and care for others, you must first love and care for yourself because it is impossible to give what you do not have. Self love isn’t narcissism or vanity with oneself. Self love is acknowledging your self worth, appreciating yourself, and showing self compassion. Philautia is self love in the most healthiest form.

Agape Love

Agape love is selfless love. Agape love is the highest kind of love according to the Greeks because it is unconditional. Agape love isn’t the sentimental outpouring and sex-related love the world sells to you. It is love with no boundaries; it is a love that forgives, accepts, and believes.

#TheLoveChallenge

Today, I challenge you to consciously demonstrate love to people. Leave behind droplets of love wherever you find yourself. Ask yourself, “how can I demonstrate love during my day to day activities?”

I challenge you today to love on others and love yourself even more. I challenge you, for the rest of the year (if you don’t already), to practice philautia love and agape love especially to those that are “impossible” to love.

The #lovechallenge is all about fiercely spreading love like wildfire everywhere you go.

Thanks for reading.

#thesunshinethagain!©