Jesus said, those who don’t have “agape” love for Him will not obey His commands.  They are committed to doing their own thing.  If you obey Jesus’ commands,  the world will hate you.  But if you live as they do they’ll have a natural affection for you.  They’ll have “phileo” love for you, because your life styles and commitments are the same. They’ll feel comfortable in your presence.

 There’s a recurring theme, however, in these chapters: the world needs to be exposed to an “agape love and lifestyle.”  Jesus said He wanted the world to know He loved the Father (John 14:31).  In addition, Jesus commanded us to love each other as believers, as Jesus loved us, with “agape” love.  This will be the distinguishing characteristic that will convince the world that we belong to Him (John 13:34-35).  As the world, which is naturally in opposition to Jesus is thus exposed to real love – that is, quality, “agape” love relationships – some of them will be attracted and won to the Lord.

In 2 Corinthians 2:14-15, Paul put it this way: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.  For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved.”  It’s the only way the lost will know true, “agape” love, and turn to Jesus.