July 5, 2025

Last week we explored the four types of love. Today we will focus on the highest form of love: agape love.

Why is agape love the highest form of love? It is the highest form of love because it is the only type of love based solely on the will. In other words, agape love is not at all based on feelings but on a decision.

The other three types of love—phileo, storge, and eros—all involve the feelings. Indeed, in the case of eros, feelings alone are often involved, thereby creating relationships with little foundation other than the flesh.

But agape love is different. Because of its solid foundation on the will, it is the only type of love that can create a lasting relationship. Agape love is God’s type of love. God loves us out of His decision to love us, not out of feeling.

In fact, Scripture tells us that He loved us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5: 8).
Even while God hated our sin, He chose to die for us to free us from that very sin.

Agape love is defined as “a pure, willful, sacrificial love that intentionally desires another’s highest good.” Did you notice the word “willful”? Agape loves stems from the will. The will is the human function that makes decisions.

So what does all of this have to do with relationships? Everything, my friend.

You see, if you are struggling in a relationship, it is likely that you are not acting with agape love. It is likely that you are doing one or more of the following:

__Considering your own needs above the needs of the other person in the relationship. This is call selfishness.
__Seeking to explain your own viewpoint rather than listening to the viewpoint of the other person. This is called self-centeredness.
__Pushing for your own way instead of honoring the possibility that the other person’s way may be better than yours. This is called pride.

By now you may be thinking that it’s impossible to act with agape love. And you would be right!

Next time, we will explore the only way for us to walk in agape love. You may be surprised at what you discover.

Until then, remember that the secret to great relationships is always to treat others as you would like to be treated.

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Copyright 2025 by MaryAnn Diorio, PhD. All Rights Reserved.

This week’s featured book: The Madonna of Pisano. Book 1 in The Italian Chronicles Trilogy.


A mother’s sacrifice. A village’s judgment. A love that changes everything.

In a small Italian village where honor is everything, Maria Landro’s world is shattered by a betrayal she never saw coming. Once promised a bright future, she is cast aside—shunned, whispered about, and left to raise her son alone. With her family’s farm on the brink of ruin and the weight of scandal threatening to crush her, Maria is left with one burning desire: revenge.

But when the mysterious and kind-hearted Luca Tonetta enters her life, Maria faces an impossible choice—cling to the past or embrace a future she never thought possible. Can love heal wounds buried in shame and sorrow?

🌿 A sweeping historical romance filled with:
✅ A courageous heroine fighting for her son
✅ Forbidden love, betrayal, and redemption
✅ The beauty of Italy brought to life in vivid detail
✅ A heart-wrenching journey of forgiveness and hope

✨ Perfect for fans of Nicholas Sparks, Hallmark romance, and epic stories set in Italy.

📖 Begin your journey through The Italian Chronicles today!

👉 Get your copy now! BUY HERE!

OR

Get the complete trilogy in ebook format for just under $20! BUY HERE!