SUPPORTING SCRIPTURE
1 John 4:18 Looking for good Bible verses to reflect on, or wondering why the Bible matters for your everyday life? Check out our Scripture devotional below. It’s one of our simple devotions, great for getting started reading the Bible, and hearing how Scripture is making an impact in the lives of other believers!
Finding True Love
“What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear the sighs and sorrows of men.” -Saint Augustine
Christian love has always looked different from the world’s. Aaand, it doesn’t always match up with the verses in our favorite (and catchy!) love songs.
Liliana reminds us of what our call to perfect love looks like.
1 John 4:18
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
Written by Liliana Arratia Zamora
It’s typical to base love off of feelings in the moment or to make love conditional based on what someone can do for you. It’s common to throw the word “love” around with little weight and commitment tied to it. The love described in 1 John isn’t found within a one-night stand or constant arguing. Love doesn’t insult with the intent to hurt or take advantage of someone. Love was meant to be goodness willed with truth and compassion for the other person. Love shouldn’t be based on fear of what others would think. Love doesn’t seek to punish us or make us pay. Love should add joy to one’s soul and be a selfless act.
If we were to put the world’s expectations aside and reflect upon the One who loved first, our view of love would be completely transformed and renewed. We could realize that love is a constant choice lined with grace and mercy. — just like the love shown by Jesus. Perfect love is the opposite of fear and selfishness.
Why It Matters
In a society where we are fed temporary and fleeting ‘love’, let us choose a love that is authentic and everlasting. May we, especially after falling, choose love over fear. Let us recognize the unending love Our Father has for us. And in recognizing His love, may we choose to love others without fear and with truth.
Love is truth. Love is forgiveness. Love is sacrifice. God is love. May we all aim for perfect love made possible through Him who doesn’t withhold His own love for us.
These simple Bible devotions are a great resource to connect with God every day. We’ve compiled more good Bible verses to reflect on here!