As Rob Bell put it, agape is a particular kind of love. So many times love and relationships are looking for what a person can get out of it or how it can benefit them or fulfill a need of some kind. Agape is, in fact, exactly the opposite of this. Agape gives. Agape is love, period. It doesn't need a reason.
I don't know exactly how I feel about all of Rob Bell's theology. I haven't done enough research to know exactly where he stands on certain issues (so I'm not endorsing that), but I do know he has a wonderfully simplistic way of understanding and relaying the message of God's love and how we should be applying that to our lives and in turn channeling that out towards those around us. God didn't give up on us when we continued to hurt and betray Him. Instead, He continued loving us. Over and over and over again. And He still does, despite the fact that we never entirely give Him our full hearts. And as difficult as this is to live out, this is how we should be loving those around us. There aren't many things more painful in this world than loving someone who 1. rejects you or 2. loves you, but isn't willing to give their ENTIRE heart to you because they don't trust it will be worth it. This is what God feels every single day with every single human being. This covers both Christians and non-believers.
The title of this chapter ties into the explanation of agape love because if we realize the value of those around us (because all were created by God) and the intensity in which we should be loving all people - family, friends, boyfriends/girlfriends, coworkers, enemies, etc. - we will come to the realization that people are "worth dying for". (ps -if you click here, you can read the ENTIRE chapter online!) An example Bell gives in this chapter is the firefighters and police officers who went into the Twin Towers after the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Seeing the memorials and momentos for all of those who died going into the towers to rescue people is inevitably going to create an emotional response, which is directly related to the inherent nature and belief we know to be true - people are worth dying for. Which is why the firefighters and police officers didn't think twice about going in to save lives.
Now, although the head knowledge may be there, applying this to the heart can be more difficult. This is how I want to live. This is the goal. Love people. Love ALL people. Even when they don't love you back or say they do but don't show it. God didn't give up on us that easily, why should we? If we are called to live a life that glorifies God and reflects Christ in us, what could be more glorifying than loving people in the exact same way He does? As discouraging as it might be in the midst, you will reap the benefits of doing good. And eventually, loving someone as God loves us will reap wonderful benefits, if we are as persistent with those around us as God was with us.
I like the way Bell put it. Do we have liquid agape running through our veins? I want to.
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