Perfect Love

Eastertide

April 30, 2021

Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:7-21

By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.

God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgement, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us. Those who say, ‘I love God’, and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also. –1 John 4:13-21

My first inclination is to suggest that we all just read this scripture over and over, digesting every sentence. Here are some thoughts that caught my heart:

  • Christ gave us His Spirit following His Resurrection. We are enabled.
  • God is love. There is no fear in love.
  • By choosing to abide in God, God abides in us.
  • How bold are we in loving all God’s creation?
  • We are God’s representation in our world.
  • There is no fear* in love, and perfect love casts out fear.
  • If we accept the love of God, we have no reason to fear.
  • If we love God, we must love all God’s children, who are our siblings.

What speaks to you?

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of God’s love exemplified in your life and ultimately provided in your death and Resurrection. Help me never to take such love for granted. Amen.

*The Greek word for fear, phobos, refers to withdrawal, fleeing because one feels inadequate,  See at https://biblehub.com/greek/5401.htm

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.