Love Made Perfect

1 John 4:18 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

Many times this verse is quoted out of context because the previous verse says, “Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment.”  It’s primary interpretation is referring to the fact that as Christians we have no need to fear because we have already been judged at the Cross.  Of course, it can have secondary application to everyday life issues as well.

I read this illustration of the love of God several years ago, “A certain medieval monk announced he would be preaching next Sunday evening on "The Love of God." As the shadows fell and the light ceased to come in through the cathedral windows, the congregation gathered. In the darkness of the altar, the monk lighted a candle and carried it to the cross.  It illuminated the crown of thorns, the two wounded hands, the two wounded feet, the marks of the spear. A hush fell on the congregation.  He blew out the candle and left.  There was nothing else to say.”