The Sacrificial Component of Agape: Jesus and Forgiveness

Agape has a sacrificial component. Jesus emphasizes forgiveness as central to his message. By forgiving others, we experience agape from God. Forgiveness is not dependent on contrition, but rather on allowing others to grow into their personhood. All agapic love is forgiving love, as it is given before it is earned. Through forgiveness, we extend the capacity for individuals to redirect their own history and experience radical transformation.