“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” 1 John 4:18
There are different kinds of love in this world. The word “love” is thrown around in many different contexts, and in many cases, becomes a normal part of our daily language. To be “perfect” you must be complete and mature. That is the meaning of perfect in 1 John 4:18. Our God is referring to a kind of love that is selfless and not overbearing. It is referred to as “agape” love which is a selfless, unconditional, and a universal love that is given freely and with no charge. When we begin to grow in our Lord, we begin to take on his characteristics. We begin to nurture his ways and not the ways going on around us. When we look at others and what they are going through we see them through different lenses and begin to have a sincere caring experience. Perfect love is said to be kind, patient, and does not retaliate. Perfect love does not cause retaliation but finds ways to extend kindness instead of vengeance. Perfect love is not thinking too highly of ourselves. It is servicing others and not tearing them down. Perfect love displays cheerfulness, kindness and patience in times of trouble. Perfect love comes from our holy God above and it becomes perfect when you and I reflect it back onto Him. We do this by showing his ways to those around us by applying sincere care and understanding and by displaying the love he has for us to others. To display this love in our lives we must have a sound and unwavering relationship with Christ. We must talk with him on a regular basis and be able to understand his ways and thoughts. When we do these things our love for others will become sincere and perfect by reflecting God’s ways into our own lives, letting his ways, and the love that comes with them to spill out onto others. PRAISE THE LORD IN ALL THINGS!
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