<P> For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life . </P> <P> The word agape received a broader usage under later Christian writers as the word that specifically denoted Christian love or charity (1 Corinthians 13: 1--8), or even God himself . The expression "God is love" (ὁ θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν) occurs twice in the New Testament: 1 John 4: 8, 16 . Agape was also used by the early Christians to refer to the self - sacrificing love of God for humanity, which they were committed to reciprocating and practicing towards God and among one another (see kenosis). </P> <P> Agape has been expounded on by many Christian writers in a specifically Christian context . C.S. Lewis uses agape in The Four Loves to describe what he believes is the highest level of love known to humanity: a selfless love that is passionately committed to the well - being of others . </P> <P> The Christian use of the term comes directly from the canonical Gospels' accounts of the teachings of Jesus . When asked what was the great commandment, "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind . This is the first and great commandment . And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself . On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets ." (Matthew 22: 37 - 40) In Judaism, the first "love the LORD thy God" is part of the Shema . </P>

Where is agape used in the new testament