“God’s Love in Us—The Spiritual Power THE FUEL FOR Our YMCA Mission” Biblical Reflection by Rev. Dr. Samuel D. Stephens

Last Updated (Wednesday, 30 April 2025 21:56)

“God’s Love in Us—The Spiritual Power THE FUEL FOR Our YMCA Mission”

Rev. Dr. Samuel D. Stephens

"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."
— Romans 5:5 (NIV)

The Revolutionary Power of Agape Love in YMCA Mission and Leadership

John 17:21 – “That they all may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You.”

1. The Mistaken Idea of Love in Roman Culture

Historical Background

Paul wrote to the Roman Christians during a time when the Roman Empire was at its height—militarily powerful, socially stratified, and religiously pluralistic. Roman citizens prided themselves on their status, heritage, and allegiance to Caesar. Society was hierarchical, and love was often transactional, based on merit or social advantage. In this context, Paul’s message was revolutionary. He introduced the concept of agape—a love that is selfless, sacrificial, and freely given—not earned. In contrast to the Roman ideals of eros (romantic), philia (friendship), and storge (familial) love, Paul revealed a divine love that came not through conquest, but through Christ’s sacrifice.

In the Roman Empire, the idea of love was often intertwined with lust, power, and status. Eros (romantic or sexual desire) was idolized in literature and life, and relationships were largely transactional—built on what one could gain. The social hierarchy upheld the powerful and marginalized the weak. Love was often shown selectively—earned through loyalty, beauty, wealth, or service. Women, slaves, foreigners, and the poor were excluded from receiving genuine love or dignity.

Into this morally hollow and socially stratified world, Paul proclaimed a revolutionary truth: God’s love is agape—selfless, sacrificial, unconditional, and freely given. It is not lustful or self-serving. It seeks the good of the other, even at personal cost. It does not play favorites based on race, class, gender, or status. This message was not only theological—it was deeply disruptive, radically inclusive, and powerfully redemptive.

2. Agape Love: A Foundation for Unity and Equality

Paul’s vision of agape love was a direct challenge to Roman social norms. In Galatians 3:28, he declared that in Christ there is “neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female.” The love of God breaks down all barriers and offers dignity to every person. This radical unity is also the heartbeat of Jesus’ prayer in John 17:21—“that they all may be one.”

For the YMCA, founded nearly two centuries ago, this vision of unity rooted in love is foundational. From its beginnings in 19th-century London among vulnerable young workers, the YMCA has sought to express and embody agape love through holistic care—spiritual, mental, physical, and social. This love is not abstract—it is expressed in inclusion, service, empowerment, and justice.

Romans 5:5 is a profound reminder that God’s love is not abstract or distant, but poured directly into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. For those who follow the way of Christ, this is the foundation of identity, assurance, and spiritual growth. For Christian leaders—especially in community-oriented missions like the YMCA—this love becomes the engine of our service, the root of our resilience, and the voice that calls us into action.

This verse is both a comfort and a commissioning. It calls us to be vessels of God’s love—not just recipients but channels—equipped by the Holy Spirit to reflect His grace in everything we do: from youth empowerment to justice advocacy, from mental health initiatives to disaster relief. This love is not only received—it is meant to overflow, shaping both how we live and how we lead.

“My life-work is done. My task is finished. And now, O Lord, to Thee I commend my spirit. Take me to Thyself and teach me to love and serve Thee more and more.”

— Sir George Williams

This quote reflects the founder’s deep commitment to serving others through love. It emphasizes that even as his earthly mission ends, his desire is to grow in love and service—core principles that continue to shape local YMCA communities worldwide.

3. How Agape Love Fuels the YMCA Mission Today

a. In Every YMCA Leader’s Life: Love That Leads with Humility

YMCA leadership is not about status or control but servant-heartedness. Agape love calls each leader to see others through God’s eyes—especially the overlooked and excluded. It compels us to lead by example, with empathy, compassion, and moral courage in the face of injustice.

In a fragmented and self-centered world, a YMCA leader models a different way—valuing people not for what they produce, but because they bear God’s image.

“By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” — John 13:35

b. In Every Local YMCA: Love That Builds Inclusive Communities

Agape love shapes local YMCA programs to be welcoming, safe spaces—where the marginalized are embraced, and diverse communities come together across lines of caste, creed, gender, and generation. It inspires efforts in youth empowerment, gender justice, community development, and peace-building.

Application: Whether through a children’s reading room in a rural town or a skills training center in an urban slum, YMCA programs become signs of God’s love in action.

“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” — 1 John 3:18

c. In the Pluralistic Context of Asia and the World: Love That Transcends Divides

In our globalized yet divided world—torn by religious intolerance, economic disparity, racial hatred, and nationalist fervor—agape love is the bridge. It enables interfaith dialogue, reconciliation across nations, and a shared vision for human dignity. It empowers the YMCA to live out its Vision 2030 pillars: building just, equitable, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

Application: Agape love is not weakened by difference; it is strengthened by it. In the Asian context—rich with diversity yet marred by division—YMCA becomes a peacemaker and unifier.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9

“The supreme need of the world is the acceptance and application of the teachings of Jesus Christ by all nations.”

— John R. Mott

Mott underscores the power of Christ-centred love to unify across religious, national, and cultural divides—a perfect match for the YMCA’s role as a peace-builder and bridge-maker in our pluralistic global context.

Conclusion: Love as Our Legacy and Future

In an age of fragmentation, hatred, bigotry, and pride, agape love is our calling, our compass, and our conviction. This love fueled the founding vision of the YMCA, carried it across cultures and continents, and continues to shape our future. As we move forward with Vision 2030, let us be rooted in this divine love—working not for dominance, but for dignity; not for personal gain, but for the common good.

We live in a world that is splintered—but we serve a Savior who prayed that we would be one. Let us live out that prayer, powered by agape love, committed to building a world we can pass on to the generations yet to come.

Closing Benediction:

May the love of Christ compel us,

May the unity of His Spirit guide us,

And may the mission of His Kingdom move us—

To serve, to bridge, and to love—

Until all may be one.

Amen.

Rev. Dr. Samuel D. Stephens is the former president of the Asia & Pacific Alliance of YMCAs. He is an Educator, Theologian, Missiologist, Community builder, and Global Leader.

The Biblical Reflection was delivered at the annual executive committee of the Asia & Pacific Alliance of YMCAs in Penang, Malaysia – April 4-6, 2025