Douglas Cooper in From Eros to Agape (2013) asserts we should move from the Eros to Agape. You know from that passionate human longing (lustful love) to a deep inner heartfelt, soul seeking love; His love. Agape is genuine, unconditional love, a generosity of spirit which gives and expects nothing in return. It is the love that God has for us. It is love at the highest level. It is the ultimate gift that is given, and it is not based on how often you put out, how much you give up (sacrifice), or how good you are. True love works for you to become the best that you can be. Lewis helps us to see how obvious it is that Real love provides.
What is the evidence that I use to substantiate that true love provides? I traced the most definite proof I could find back to the beginning. The first man is placed in the garden by God "to work it and take care of (watch over) it” (Gen. 2:15). God allows him to eat from all the trees in the garden except the Tree of Knowledge; hence, this is the choice that the first man (who is later called
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She then gave the fruit to the man, who eats also. "Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they realized they were naked” (Genesis 3:7). The woman lacked real understanding as to who and whose she was and therefore ‘knowledge’ had higher value and was more appealing than being obedient. Real Love can’t freely thrive when the participants are unsure of their identity. Fruitfulness requires each person to understand, appreciate, respect and honor their role without competing with the other. In the book of Ruth, we see what happens when a woman truly respects, a man she loves. As opined by McLaughlin (1998) “she will be happy to surrender her personal freedom to him knowing that she can trust that he will not abuse it. When the right man initiates with love, the right woman responds with respect.” This action is the heart of Real