That’s Outrageous!

by Tim Knappenberger

Given the degree of incivility we’re all exposed to in our world today, it’s possible for Christians to mistake common courtesy for agape love. After all, anything that rises above the muck and mire of morbidly gross hedonism can appear clean. Maybe so, but even though a tulip isn’t a dandelion, it ain’t no rose either!

In teaching the self-righteous scribe about neighborly love done God’s way, Jesus tells the story of the Good Samaritan. In it he gives a word picture of what agape love looks like. Jesus outlines agape love as . . .

• Indiscriminate. It doesn’t matter if the one in need is friend or enemy. It is meant for all.
• Bold. It crosses social and racial lines as well as those of personal comfort. It goes outside of self.
• Inconvenient. Practicing it creates discomfort and even problems for ourselves when offered.
• Risky. We may suffer loss.
• Requiring of our time and energies. Two precious commodities that, once given, cannot be taken back.
• Jeopardizing our reputations. Reaching out may be misperceived by those watching as well as those helped.
• Excessive. It starts out giving more than is expected and then it gives even more.

Most of us, Christians as well as non-Christians, are quite comfortable with reciprocity ("tit for tat"). Reciprocity is doing good to those we deem deserving of having good done to them. It is safe. It makes sense. It is that which "goes around" and eventually "comes around." The old "scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours" ritual. Giving to those who’ve given to us is a universal norm found in all cultures throughout the world. Nevertheless, reciprocity is not agape. "If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even `sinners' love those who love them. And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even `sinners' do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even `sinners' lend to `sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full." (Luke 6:32-34) Man Jesus! Talk about raining on our feel good parade! So what’s so wrong in being nice to those who are nice to us?! Nothing. But read the Master’s words again; "Even `sinners' do that." Jesus calls His followers to a higher standard. A standard that goes beyond what makes sense in this world. A standard that requires His empowering Spirit to effect. A standard that captures the attention of the world as something radically different. Risky love. Agape love.

I have trouble with agape love. I’ve got the "tit for tat" thing down pretty well, although I must confess even that degree of caring poses a challenge for me at times. But the selfless, risky, above-and-beyond love Christ calls me to leaves me feeling a little like David (sans slingshot) the first time he laid eyes on Goliath. Yet God-people must seek to act, live and love in God-ways. The expression "bigger than life" would fit well here. Incivility and agape are opposite poles on our ethical compasses. Our sinfully charged souls draws us toward sinful poles. Yet God beacons lovingly in the opposite direction; using His powerful magnet of agape love. In taking human form and dying for us on a bloodied cross He shows the reality of agape love in a fallen world. He shows just how outrageous His love really is.

(Luke 10:30-34 - NIV)