I have two tattoos. My first one is of a cross a little bigger than a centimeter on the inside of my left wrist. I got it as a freshman in college over Thanksgiving break (it has a story too, but one to be told in a later article). The second one says “agape” in cursive writing on my right foot along the outside. I got it last summer in Auburn during a rough time, but it was much needed.
I got “agape” permanently on my body because of the volumes this one word speaks for me. Agape can be defined in various ways, but they all mean the same thing: unconditional love. More specifically, it is God’s unconditional love for us. It is a love that many people don’t fully understand, myself included. I have made numerous mistakes that I didn’t even want to say out loud because I felt so ashamed. This “agape” love that God has for us makes our mistakes melt away. It is simply amazing that He loves us so much that nothing we do is unforgivable. There is always a second chance with God.
I have also allowed others to love me, but it was conditional. I always strive to love unconditionally because that is the love that I am given. However, I have learned to not settle for conditional love, too. It may seem blissful at first, but it results in hurt. Why settle for that when there is unconditional love out there for all of us?
And that is why I have it as a reminder. It reminds me to strive to love others unconditionally because we are all flawed and all need grace, and it reminds me to not settle for anything less than what God has in store for me. I believe that is something that everyone needs, and not that life will be easier, but it will be full of friends and love because of it, which will be a much happier life. It is amazing how much one little word affects our lives. It gives us a reason to live, and it provides hope for the world.
I know tattoos are becoming more and more accepted in society, so I took advantage of it. My little two-and-a-half-inch tattoo starts many conversations, and I hope one day that my “agape” makes a difference for someone like it has for me.
