March 22 – The Perfection of Love

When our Lord tells us that “perfect love casts out fear,” does He mean the existence or the operation of perfection of love?

Let’s take a look.

The Scripture tells us . . . God is love. His love His perfect. He is perfect. Here in Cor Unum, His perfect love will cast out fear.

Jesus was so entirely acquainted with Perfect Love that He went fearlessly to the bear our cross unto death and into hell and on to heaven. We can trust the perfect-ness of God’s love. Perfect love exists.

When perfect love is brought to bear in any situation, fear cannot abide. When children are out of line, for instance, and correction comes, when a child trembles for the wrong he has done and the consequences he must face, perfect love can discipline in such a way that love increases. The child begins to take comfort in the operation of perfect love. He comes to know that his parents will not allow him to become reprobate in any degree. The boundaries and the conditioning of parental authority are protection and security.

Corrie ten Boom tells the story of Thomas in Africa, a Christian man whose neighbor began setting fire to the thatch of Thomas’ hut in the night hours, endangering Thomas’ wife and small children as well. The villagers helped put the blazes out, but one night, the sparks blew over to the home of Thomas’ enemy. His roof was in flames, and Thomas ran across to help douse the fire, severely burning his hands.

The villagers were incensed and sent the bad neighbor to the courts and to jail. Thomas wept for him, that he too might come to know the love of Jesus Christ.

Perfect love.

Thomas’ neighbor did find, through Thomas’ perfect love, the salvation that Jesus had purchased for both of them through His perfect love.


"Fearless"
photo by Kerry