[Maximum Joy Series] Perfect LoveSample

Manifestation of Love–Part 1

Who would not like to have the ability to express love in a perfect way? We all know that it is one thing to love a person, but having the ability to show and manifest our love to that person in a way that he or she can understand and receive is not that easy. I can love you, but that does not necessarily mean that I am able to manifest that love in the best way possible.

Perfect love, the agape type of love that the apostle John has been presenting to us through his letter, is spiritual, unselfish, and giving. John has shown us that we cannot produce this type of love, as it is actually an aspect of God’s character that is present in us as a fruit of the Holy Spirit dwelling in us. Today, we will analyze the visible picture of this kind of love in action that John is “painting” for us. 

First, it is all giving. This means that when I give love, I do not expect anything in return. Giving can be a manipulative tool. We give to get. That kind of love is phile, not agape. The good news for Christians is that this kind of love is a fruit of the Holy Spirit. Our responsibility as Christians is to simply release the Spirit that lives within us. 

Second, it is sacrificial. As we read 4:10, we get a clear picture of what agape love means for God. “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (NVI). Earlier, John had shown us that sacrificial love carries the meaning of doing something practical for our brother when he is in need (1 John 3:17). Of course, this need was a physical need. At this point, John takes it to another level to address our spiritual needs. Jesus became the “sacrifice” for our sins. He took our place at the cross, broke down the wall that separated us from God, bridged the gap, and reconciled us to our Creator. Jesus laying His life for us, that is divine, perfect love. 

Now, it is clear that there are all sorts of expressions of agape love which do not require the ultimate sacrifice of one’s life. John seems to imply that even our agape love can grow and mature. That is precisely what the word perfect (teleios) means in this context—complete, mature. John will go on to say that as we allow God’s perfect love to operate through us, His love in us can also be perfected, completed, matured. It’s a growth process. As we allow the Spirit to live through us more and more consistently in our lives, we experience more and more of His love operating through us. And this love is not just giving, but it is sacrificial giving. You see, I can give without sacrificing. There is nothing wrong with that as long as I am not giving to get. But my love is more complete, more mature, more perfect(ed) when my giving involves sacrifice. 

May God give us the grace to allow His perfect love to shine through us and touch those lives who are desperately seeking love in the wrong places and people. Let us be instruments of God’s perfect love everywhere we go!