Perfect Love… (1 John 4:7-21) 240408
There are many definition for the word ‘love’. I do not want to attempt to give a new definition here. Anyway, there is nothing new under the sun. Love is love. God is love (v16). In our Christian context, to know what is love is to know who is God. The one who does not love, does not know God, for God is love (v8). Love is from God (v7).
This passage is commonly known as love passage. It is one of the most popular passages to be preached during a wedding service. We all seek to have a perfect loving relationship with our spouses, and the people around us, especially those who are significant in our life. But in reality, we do not have perfect love. How then Apostle John says that His love is perfected in us (v12) and love is perfected with us (v17)?
According to my Greek understanding, the words ‘perfected’ are both in passive form. It also have the meaning of complete, finish, accomplish, bring to its goal, and reach one’s goal. Therefore, the idea of perfect here is not so much of without flaws, but rather, reaching its fullest meaning. In other words, John is saying that love is going to be in its fullest in us and with us. The passive notion of these verbs also inform give us a hint that such fulfillment is not by us, we are merely passive recipient of such fulfillment of love. We love, because God first loved us (v19). Isn’t that simple?
We all want to have perfect love, because perfect love casts out fear (v18). Can you imagine that we give our coward boys love? They will then be transformed into fearless warriors! This is what God intended for us: to transform you and me into fearless spiritual warriors for the advancement of His Kingdom.
I know I am not the best person to teach about love. I do not love everyone equally. I do not know how to show love to certain people, even though they might be very close to me. Now I understand why, I am not an effective witness for Christ in my family. The simple truth is that I have not been showing love to them. Though I have all the theologically correct answers to impress people, but they don’t care unless I show love. I know I have not love enough, I do not have perfect love with them, hence I am fearful to witness to them. I think this is true for many of us.
Love does not exist in vacuum. I cannot love alone. Love has to be in a relationship. Love has to be exhibited in a community. We ought to love one another (v11). In fact, the more literal translation should be ‘we are indebted to love one another’ (New Abel Translation, NAT). Are you indebted to anyone?
How to have perfect love? Abides in God (v15 and v16). This not a new teaching. Love is a result of our abiding in Christ. Have you been abiding in Christ lately?
HHS…
Abel…
