Agape is a Greek word that, in the context of Christianity, represents "the highest form of love, charity," and "the love of God for man and of man for God"
. It is contrasted with philia, which refers to brotherly love or close friendship, and eros, which refers to romantic or sexual love
. Agape love is characterized by goodwill, benevolence, and willful delight in the object of love, and it involves faithfulness, commitment, and an act of the will
. In the New Testament, agape is used to describe the love that is of and from God, whose very nature is love itself: "God is love" (1 John 4:8)
. Agape love is also used to describe our love for God, as in Luke 10:27, and it is often associated with the idea of putting the welfare of others above one's own
. The term agape has also been used in various contexts outside of the New Testament, but in most instances, it carries a distinct meaning. For example, in the context of a meal or feast, the word agape is used in its plural form (agapai) in the New Testament to describe a meal or feast, such as in Jude 1:12 and 2nd Peter 2:13
. The agape love feast is still observed by many Christian denominations today, especially among Brethren and other Plain, Anabaptist churches
