"In apparent contrast to the conception of love as a cluster of needs is the conception of love as giving to another person. This is the aspect of love emphasized in the New Testament, epitomized by St. John's declaration, "God is love." Love as giving corresponds to what the Greeks called agape and to what I call caring."

Psychology Is Social, pg. 176)

Affective Cognitive Sensorimotor
Spiritual Self To walk in the love of God is to be truly free, for it is patient, kind, & doesn't resent a wrong. It is not boastful, selfish, and always thinks of others. This all giving love can come only from above. But to know this love, one must believe in a God who is love. The love of God in me can be used to help others and reach out to them or comfort my own heart in times of trouble.
Reflective Self I John 4:19 says that we love God because He first loved us. I obey Him because I want to try to return some of the love tat was given to me on Calvary. Agape is an all giving kind of love whether that love is returned or not. While we were yet sinners, (God's enemies) Christ died for us. (Rom.5:8) I would be a very selfish person right now if I had never discovered that 'agape' God kind of love.
Automatic Self I am satisfied that I can share the love of God with others and show them love whether it is returned or not. "God is love" and "He so loved the that He gave" freely even when we didn't deserve it. I am so glad that the love of God has been put in my heart since I've been born-again. It is so much better than the world has!

back to my homepage Dr. James' Homepage My other page Comments

	Affective	Cognitive	Sensorimotor
Spiritual Self	To walk in the love of God is to be truly free, for it is patient, kind, & doesn't resent a wrong. It is not boastful, selfish, and always thinks of others.	This all giving love can come only from above. But to know this love, one must believe in a God who is love.	The love of God in me can be used to help others and reach out to them or comfort my own heart in times of trouble.
Reflective Self	I John 4:19 says that we love God because He first loved us. I obey Him because I want to try to return some of the love tat was given to me on Calvary.	Agape is an all giving kind of love whether that love is returned or not. While we were yet sinners, (God's enemies) Christ died for us. (Rom.5:8)	I would be a very selfish person right now if I had never discovered that 'agape' God kind of love.
Automatic Self	I am satisfied that I can share the love of God with others and show them love whether it is returned or not.	"God is love" and "He so loved the that He gave" freely even when we didn't deserve it.	I am so glad that the love of God has been put in my heart since I've been born-again. It is so much better than the world has!