Scriptures: Romans 5:8, John 3:16, 1 Peter 4:8

Have you lost agape?

Agape love is the greatest and rarest form of love. It’s found in the New Testament 116 times and usually means the unconditional love of God. 

I remember well my training in counseling. One theorist and counseling practitioner by the name of Carl Rogers practiced something called “unconditional positive regard.” Wow! It’s the most agape-like concept that I’ve ever seen in a secular environment. Unconditional positive regard is defined as “a concept developed by the humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers, it is the basic acceptance and support of a person regardless of what the person says or does, especially in the context of client-centered therapy.”

Do you believe God looks at you like this? I’ve often heard it said that when God sees us, He looks through the blood of Jesus and sees perfection. He looks through the sacrifice and sees friends, sons, and daughters instead of enemies. The Bible reveals this fact: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8, NKJV) 

It always amazes me that God loves us unconditionally, completely, and unequivocally. “‘For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.’” (John 3:16, NIV) God is driven by love, not anger. He’s driven by agape, not bitterness. When God sees you, He sees Jesus in you. Someone once said “love is blind,” and in a way, that person is right. It’s like God sees you through rose-colored glasses of love.

The Bible says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8, NIV) The love of God will forgive you and cover all of your weaknesses and sins. His love will adopt you as His own.

I’ll never forget when my wife and I became the legal guardians of two very tall teens from Rwanda. Although we had so many struggles and obstacles in raising them, it didn’t seem to discourage us. We never quit because we fell in love with Fernand and Joseph. The love of God caused us to love them, and it’s been a true joy and pleasure. 

Whom will you love in Jesus’ name?

It’s time to love because you are a miracle. 

Scriptures: Proverbs 18:24, 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Do you want close friends? 

The Bible reveals something really cool and powerful: “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24, NIV) Do you know this level of friendship? 

Four very popular television series have focused on this concept of deep friendships: Happy Days, Friends, Seinfeld, and Cheers. All of these shows focus on the humorous, silly, and zany relationships between friends. We can never forget Fonzie, Kramer, or Jerry. Every character is full of flaws and struggles, but each episode walks us through the tragedies and trials of friends in beautiful ways. Movies like The Sandlot and Mighty Ducks give us a glimpse of something the Bible calls “phileo.” 

When I read 1 Corinthians 13, I can’t help but think of the importance of deep friendships. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NIV) 

Although the love spoken about in Corinthians was agape, it can easily be applied to any of the four types of love described in the Bible: agape, phileo, storge, and eros.

My dad used to tell me when I was young, “Paul, if you have five real friends in life, you’ll be a lucky man.” I didn’t know he would be so right. Deep, lifelong friendships are so rare, and they should be cherished with everything that you’ve got.

Do you have close and intimate friends? If you do, hallelujah! If not, let’s take a few moments to work on it today. I’d like to give you a few of my Goulet friendship tips:   

1. Be a friendly person. “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18:24, NKJV)   
2. Be a giver and not a taker. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, NIV)  
3. Be a forgiver. “It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” (1 Corinthians 13:5, NIV)  
4. Love unconditionally. “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” (1 Corinthians 13:7, NIV) 

I believe you can start building lifelong, intimate friendships because you are a miracle.

Scriptures: Song of Songs 1:2-4, 1 Corinthians 7:5

Does God believe in erotic love? 

This week, I’m looking with you at the different sorts of love we know. Today, I want to discuss erotic love. The word “erotic” can elicit some very nasty reactions. It can also focus on some pretty perverted images or actions that seem contrary to a Christian belief system. But I’ve got some really good news that should clarify this subject and bring it back into a Christian interpretation of sexuality. 

Did you know God created sex? It was His idea to place it in the confines of a lifelong union between a man and a woman. Sex was supposed to be like the glue that connects a couple in pleasure and some forms of ecstasy, romance, and fun. The Bible describes this form of love: “Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth— for your love is more delightful than wine. Pleasing is the fragrance of your perfumes; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the young women love you! Take me away with you—let us hurry! Let the king bring me into his chambers. We rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. How right they are to adore you!” (Song of Songs 1:2-4, NIV)

The word “eros” (Ancient Greek: ἔρως érōs “love” or “desire”) is “a concept in ancient Greek philosophy referring to sensual or passionate love, from which the term erotic is derived.” (Wikipedia) Although the word is not included in the New Testament, the concept of sexual pleasure between a husband and a wife is found throughout the Bible. “Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” (1 Corinthians 7:5, NIV)

Sexual or erotic love is not supposed to be taboo or an example of the forbidden fruit. Sex is not evil; it really boils down to expressing our sexual energy in biblical ways. God gives us boundaries to enjoy sex because He really does know what’s best for us. 

Denying we are sexual beings created by God to enjoy sex seems counterproductive. The truth about sex, eros, and pleasure should be discussed in a healthy way. The world has tarnished the subject and defiled it. It’s time we take it back into the light for generations. 

You can be a healthy believer who embraces your God-given sexuality because you are a miracle.

Scriptures: 1 Thessalonians 4:9, Ephesians 2:19

“I love you, brother”

I have the privilege of having two sisters and two brothers in my life. I was the baby in the Goulet family, and my mom does not hide that I was a surprise. She was 38 years old when she had me, and her health was always quite sketchy.

It seems amazing that we just celebrated her 100th birthday a few months ago. I use the term loosely because COVID-19 stopped us from seeing her or celebrating as a family. It was a real bummer, but a good Zoom meeting consoled us a bit.

As the baby, I can honestly confirm that “phileo” love is real and powerful. The Bible speaks of this type of love as brotherly love: “But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;” (1 Thessalonians 4:9, NKJV). 

Have you ever experienced the joy of brotherly love? Do you have brothers or sisters? Were they loving and kind, and were you loving and kind?

I have tremendous memories of the relationships I have with my siblings. We don’t always agree on politics or faith, but we still love each other—it’s like a constant in geometry or calculus. No matter what happens, we will always be family. We will always love each other. 

Do you have that depth of safety and belonging? The Bible says that it’s available to each of us. Once we receive Christ, we belong to a whole new family. “So, you are not foreigners or guests, but rather you are the children of the city of the holy ones, with all the rights as family members of the household of God.” (Ephesians 2:19, TPT) 

May I encourage you to find a home church that practices real family? God is our Father, so that makes us all brothers and sisters. We all need to belong to a family. You may come from a dysfunctional or even abusive family, but I have great news for you: you’ve been adopted into a new family. You are accepted and loved in this new family because you are a miracle. 

Scriptures: John 3:16, Ephesians 3:18-19

Thrown into the snow… ❄️

We are all born with the need to be loved and to love. God created us that way. Perhaps this is why John 3:16 resonates with so many people: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NIV)

Do you know that God really loves you? If you are convinced of this fact, you will be bolder, happier, and more fulfilled. In psychology, it’s valued as the power of the home base. If the home base is healthy, loving, and strong, then we will be safe to grow and go. 

Paul the Apostle seemed to understand this psychological need in you and me because he prayed that you “may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:18-19, NKJV) Paul knew that most of us grew up in imperfect homes. Some had dads, and others didn’t. Some had loving moms, and others didn’t. 

I’ll never forget the sad story of a young woman whose mother threw her naked outside in the snow to punish her. Another young woman was molested by her grandfather. And a young man I knew had a speech impediment because his dad beat him with a frying pan. I’ve heard so many stories that have made me cry, but I’ve seen people’s lives changed by finding a new home base of love in a good church or a loving home. 

You may not have been born into a loving family, but you can be reborn into the family of God. It’s a family full of love. He’s a loving Father who sends His Spirit to fill you with love and help you develop a new home base of love.

Because you are a miracle. 

Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Hosea 4:6

Do you speak their language? 

Have you ever read the book The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman? It really is an insightful book. It’s helped so many couples and parents understand that everyone has a way of giving and receiving love. 

The Bible says that love should be our priority: “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3, NIV) 

I must be honest with you…most of my clients wanted to love and be loved. Many of them were sincere believers, but when it came to love, it seemed like they were lost. The Bible says, “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge...” (Hosea 4:6, NIV). In my experience, I’ve discovered most couples have never learned to speak the same love language as their mates or kids. It’s not that they were unwilling to love—it’s that they didn’t know how.

Do you know the five different love languages? I’d love to unwrap them for you today. Here are the five love languages from Gary Chapman:  

1. Words of affirmation  
2. Gifts  
3. Acts of service  
4. Quality time  
5. Physical touch 

I’ll never forget the first few years of my marriage to Denise. It was difficult, hard, and even miserable until we learned we were speaking different love languages. Her needs weren’t being met, and mine weren’t either. I wanted more physical touch and words of affirmation, and she wanted more quality time and acts of service. It really felt like we were speaking two different languages. 

Have you learned to speak your family’s love languages? Have they learned your language? Are you willing to learn their languages? I’m praying that your willingness will open up more love than you can even imagine. Don’t give up on the first few attempts. I believe God will help you because He loves you and you are a miracle. 

Scriptures: Galatians 5:22, John 13:35, 1 John 4:18, 2 John 1:6

We need more fruit 🍓 🍋 🍍

There is an invisible force that can help you experience more love than you can even imagine. It’s available for free any time of the day or week. This force will help you experience and give love freely and openly. 

Would you like to be known as a loving person? The Bible says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.” (Galatians 5:22, NIV).

Have you ever met people who were brimming with love? Were they Christians? It seems like an ironic question, doesn’t it? Because the Bible says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35, NIV)

Shouldn’t Christians be the most loving people in the world? Of course they should, but some confuse religion with the Spirit. Notice the fruit of the Spirit is love. Galatians doesn’t say the fruit of religion will bring love.

Could you and I agree that the Spirit can help us really love? The best hope for mankind is the Spirit. So, would you invite Him to fill you and lead you every day? The fruit of being full of the Spirit and led by the Spirit is love, and love is powerful. “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18, NKJV) 

“And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” (2 John 1:6, NIV) 

Your family will see a huge difference in you. Many more will come to Christ through you because love wins and you are a miracle.