By Olawale Lamina
The Minister-in-Charge, M.I.C of Rhema Chapel International Churches Abuja, Pastor Gbenga Gbadeyan has described the love of Christ as one that gives without conditions and incomparable to any other types of love prevalent in the world.
He stated this in a message at a Special Valentine Service held on Sunday titled ‘Love of Christ, ‘ to mark the 2025 Valentine Day.
He emphasized that one thing that is outstanding about love is giving, which God the Father demonstrated by giving His best gift of Jesus to the world.
“Our focus about God’s kind of love has to do with giving everything out- your service, gifts, energy, money and whatever is significant, because Jesus left his place of honour and came to the place of trouble to show us love- Romans 5:8 while we were yet sinner, Christ died for us,” he stated.
The M.I.C enumerated other classes of love including Eros – sensual love or sexual passion, Philia- love based on friendship and Storge, which is a family love, like the one shared among family members.
“Then we have Mania- this is based on obsession or obsessive love, often leading to crime like jealousy, sometimes causing the victims to kill. Obsession is not love.
“We also have ludus, like courtship. But know that courtship is not marriage. We have Pragma which talks about love and shoes responsibility towards whatever we do.
“We have self love, Philautia- it can be good or bad, depending on how you view yourself, this sometimes can lead to suicide fo some people.
“But true love gives without conditions: You can give your energy, money, words of encouragement especially in the church setting.
“Our focus is agape- Christ-centered and centered on others. Not based on what you want to gain, God’s kind of love is, according to the Bible, “He spared not his son, but delivered him up for us….”
“Again, the Father and the Son gave us the Holy Spirit- you can be a blessing. Exhibit the love of Christ – think of what you can do to develop others without being noticed expect rewards. This is a selfless love. God loves us not based on what we have to offer but what He has to offer us.
“What are you giving to God with what you are receiving from his unconditional commitment to your wellbeing? God loves us with constant, everlasting love.
“Love gives, God gave his best gift and there is nothing he can’t give us,” he stated.
The preacher went on to state that whenever anyone demonstrates love to God, he responds, adding that God has given man a commandment to love.
He expressed concern that many are yet to come to the knowledge of Christ because Christians are not showing love enough.
The man of God challenged the congregation that as Christians, “We have the gifts, so you can love. 2 Corinthians 3:5 says our sufficiency is of God. Ephesians 2:2 commands us to work in love.”
And, while admonishing members to love God the more, he said: “If you love Him, the commitment will be there to serve Him.
“If you love Him, when you will see the wasting soul, you will evangelize. Joshua 22;5 commands us to love God.
“So, use whatever you have to show you love Him. Obey His commands because they are not grievous.
He appealed to those who are yet to embrace the love of Christ by saying, “Jesus wants to come in and have his way. You need to experience the love of God. Romans 10:9 says confess him and you shall be saved.”
He concluded by telling members that, “Your love for God constrains you to invite people to church.”
The Pinnacle Times also reports that the 2025 Valentine Service at Rhema Chapel International Churches Abuja highlighted a drama which illustrated the true meaning of love and presentation of cash awards to members who attempted to replicate an artwork, a Masterpiece, depicting the theme of the year for the ministry- Made for More, among other side attractions of the day.
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