Love's Full Contents

Love's Full Contents!

There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection]. 1 John 4:18 AMPC

Today's extract starts with a declaration that there is no fear in love. Could this mean that if there is any fear in me, what I hold is not true love, as defined by God? God is love, and whatever life He possesses has love in all its fullness. It is not about what I claim, but about the truth of my inner contents. Who holds the reins of my heart?

What is full grown love? Is it not the perfect love that only God can birth and sustain? Is it not love that sees beyond hurt and pain and still cares, even when the object of the love really doesn't care? You see, there is no assurance here that this love will be appreciated or reciprocated; it is love that loves no matter what the other person says or does. It is the only way to deal with the fear of the unknown or the terror of rejection, pain or eternal torment.

With fear comes the thought of never being good enough. With fear comes the thought that maybe God does not accept me the way I am. With fear comes the never ending race to qualify for grace, something no man can ever earn or deserve. With fear comes unhealthy comparisons and pursuits, and a life lived at less than its full potential. As long as I do not allow God take the whole of my heart, it could be that there's something I am afraid to give up or surrender, but unless and until I do, I cannot live out the kind of life God intends for me.

As I live daily, I can only ask God for help to allow him work in me. As I surrender daily to God, I grow in my knowledge and personal experience of Him. As I allow his love take root and bear fruit in me, I get to the point where the ephemeral, temporary things of this world do not bother me. All I desire is to see God shine in and through me, and true, genuine and Godly love is the loudest testimony of my allegiance to God. What is that thing I am holding on to at the expense of the genuine thing? May it not cost me eternity. His time of favour is here.