Advocate for Christ

The best life is a God First life

Tag: encouragement

30 Characteristics of Agape Love Patient - Kind - Selfless - Never Ends

30 Characteristics of Agape Love: A Biblical Portrait

October 13, 2026 / / 0 Comments
  1. Unconditional
  2. Without expectation of reciprocation
  3. Desiring good for others
  4. It’s eternal
  5. It is the greatest 
  6. It has no evil in it
  7. It covers a multitude of sins
  8. Provides motivation
  9. Brings peace
  10. It is a choice
  1. Fruit of the Spirit
  2. Not resentful
  3. God is love
  4. It’s forgiving
  5. Selfless
  6. Patient
  7. Kind
  8. Not envious
  9. Not boastful
  10. Not arrogant

  1. Not rude
  2. Does not insist on its own way
  3. Not irritable
  4. Does not rejoice in wrongdoing
  5. Rejoices in the truth
  6. Bears all things
  7. Believes all things
  8. Hopes all things
  9. Endures all things
  10. LOVE NEVER ENDS
  • It is the greatest (1 Cor 13:13 — “the greatest of these is love”).
  • Sacrificial even to the point of laying down one’s life (John 15:13).
  • Demonstrated toward sinners/enemies (Rom 5:8 — “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us”).
  • It fulfills the law (Rom 13:8–10; cf. Matt 22:37–40).
  • Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).
  • It is active, not merely words (1 John 3:18).
  • We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).
  • It is the bond of unity/perfection (Col 3:14).
  • Love one another as Christ loved us (John 13:34–35).

Agape love is choosing to love unconditionally; it never changes. We should love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.

  • 1 Corinthians 13:4–8, 13; Galatians 5:22–23; 1 Peter 4:8; 1 John 4:8; Philippians 4:8–9; Romans 5:8; John 3:16; Ephesians 5:2; John 15:13; Colossians 3:14; Romans 13:10; Matthew 22:37–40.
The Truth is in God's Word, Not What Any Man or Woman Teaches Iron Sharpens Iron Study, Grow, and Apply God's Word

Thank You—And Why I Keep Writing

October 11, 2026 / / 0 Comments

Thank you to everyone who reads the messages in Advocate for Christ. Writing and sharing these posts is one way I can do good and serve the Lord while caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s (see Galatians 6:9). I don’t write for accolades. If something here encourages or challenges you, feel free to respond with a like, love, comment, or share—especially if you believe it could benefit someone else. That’s how these messages get seen and read on social media.

My hope is twofold:

  1. To strengthen, encourage, and inspire those who are in Christ to study, grow, and practically apply God’s Word to daily life. As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another (Proverbs 27:17). I welcome respectful, Scripture-based conversation that helps us all grow.
  2. To share the message of Christ with those who do not yet know Him—those who are currently lost according to God’s Word. By turning from their own way (repentance) and trusting and obeying Jesus, they can receive forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. This change of life and doing His will flows from trusting Him. His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:28–30).

My intent is not that anyone believe my words simply because I said them, but that they spark further study. If what I wrote differs from what you believe, please clarify the difference with Scripture—not feelings. Our souls depend on it, and I want to know if I am wrong so I can correct it. How about you?

Today, much so-called wisdom is grounded in feelings that weaken, discount, or set aside truth. This artificial wisdom encourages apathy when following Scripture conflicts with someone’s preferences or ideas. God is unchanging, and His Word is unchanging.

The truth is in God’s Word, not in what any man or woman teaches.

John 17:17; Proverbs 26:12; Proverbs 27:17; 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 John 4:1; Hebrews 4:12; Galatians 6:9; Matthew 11:28–30

God First!

See what you can become IN CHRIST God First

Help Others See What They Can Become in Christ

September 20, 2026 / / 1 Comment

I am very thankful for all the encouragement I’ve received, both directly and indirectly, over the years. I’m thankful for those whose examples made me long to be more like them, as they lived lives that glorified Christ. It was obvious in their actions and words, in their concern for others, and in how and where they spent their time. Their efforts exemplified Christ’s life and personified selflessness.

These examples of good people made me want to examine myself, study God’s word, and deepen my understanding. These few people who affected me so much are now many in my life—many because I now choose to surround myself with them and others like them. In my opinion, their encouragement and edification have helped me become a better person.

I miss seeing many of these people weekly, as we did before Alzheimer’s affected our lives in such a way that we couldn’t. However, I still follow many of these outstanding examples on social media.

The people I speak of here are part of the Lord’s Church and helped me realize the importance of biblical study and of becoming and living as a Christian—because it doesn’t happen through osmosis! NO, these people continuously challenged me to study God’s Word together and independently, and now I strive to help others “see what they can become” in Christ, and through Christ, so we can all become better Me’s.

“Help others see what they can become” ~Philip Sanders

1 Thessalonians 5:11; Hebrews 10:24-25; Ephesians 4:29; Philippians 2:4; 2 Timothy 2:15, Proverbs 27:17; Matthew 5:16; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 3:17; Hebrews 3:13; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 4:15-16; Romans 15:14; Colossians 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7; 1 Peter 2:12.

God First!

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