During my devotional time this week, Holy Spirit and I were discussing ‘love’. In this world, love could mean different things. And as a friend shared with me yesterday, this culture labels ‘love’ to things like food, music, even casual conversation. We are over using the word and it’s became even more diluted than ever.
Holy Spirit was saying that God has perfect love. His love is perfect because it’s mutual. Our culture wants us to compromise for either conditional love or unconditional love. These types of love are only one sided- either you’re giving it or receiving it.
Unconditional love, an example, would be a parent’s love for a child. I know that I could be a horrible person in my everyday life, but when I go home to Mom, she sees no wrong. She would never point out any faults and would trust me completely. Unconditional love, I think, is blind love.
Conditional love has an exchange element to it. Whether it’s an exchange that is pleasant or not- there’s still a ‘this for that’ element to it. Our culture has used this type of love in the most horrific ways- Sugar Daddy is just one example. And technology has stretched this beyond even our imaginations!
Perfect love comes only from God. It’s a mutual love that comes with forgiveness and obedience. This kind of love knows the truth and trusts each spirit involved. This love is also a choice. Holy Spirit used the example of a strong marriage. In a strong marriage everything is shared; each party encourages, supports and lives for each other. Showing perfect love is living for God- not just for the reward.
Lastly, correction is what makes God’s love perfect. I can easily be convinced that unconditional love is what I feel from God. No matter what I have done, His love remains the same. Which is a fact and a promise- however, my love changes. As His child, I need (require) His correction and direction! I believe this closes the gap making it perfect love.
Throughout the Bible we see different ways that God is showing his perfect love for us. My favorite gospel is John because it’s caked in love for Jesus. John didn’t have an audience in mind, he wrote from his heart.
My encouragement to you- rest in God’s perfect love!
I would love to hear your thoughts on God’s perfect love. Leave a comment.
Tabi