Tuesday - Perfect Love
WEEK FOUR - LOVE
By Anna Chappell • Hope House
Perfect Love
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Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.
Before you read on, take a moment to make a circle with your hands. Bring them out in front of you and clasp them together as if you were gathering laundry, carrying a big box of Christmas decorations, or hugging a tree. In that circle, imagine all the blessings in your life. Think of yourself as holding a big bundle of goodness—gifts, loved ones, promises, provisions—right in front of you. Sit in this moment and picture your arms filling up, forcing your hands to grasp more tightly to hold all that is precious to you.
Now, unclasp your hands. Notice what happens—everything in your grip slips away. Our own efforts and blessings are temporary, but God’s perfect love does not fall away. When we abide in Him and in love, that circle is complete, and nothing can escape His embrace.
When questioned by the Pharisees about the greatest commandment, Jesus answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 22:37
Later, John addresses the Church in his first epistle with these words that, in my opinion, create a perfect circle: “If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us.” (1 John 4:12). In this circle of abiding in God—loving Him and loving our neighbor—His perfect love envelops us. In that circle, we are not just loved, but we are warm, complete, safe, protected, and surrounded by His love, feeling whole and satisfied.
Love comes from God, and love is God. God showed His love among us by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, as a perfect, atoning sacrifice for our sins, reconciling us to Him. Believers know and rely on the love God has for His children. His love is made complete in us as we abide in it; we also abide in God’s mighty hands. Because of that, we have nothing to fear or worry about in the days to come. Perfect love drives out fear, and we are called to abide in this love, feeling empowered and secure.
So, when you hug someone this Christmas, hang a wreath, wrap a Christmas tree with ribbon, or even carry another load of laundry, remember that we must do both if love is to be perfected in us- love God and love our brothers and sisters.
Prayer:
Lord, You are the Giver of all good and perfect gifts. You are the One Who holds together all things in my life. As I set my heart to love You and to love others, help me open my hands and my heart, so that Your perfect love may be complete in me. I thank You and I trust You, Lord. Amen.
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At The Hope House, we are honored to continue a legacy of caring for mothers, fathers, and babies that has spanned more than 30 years. What began as offering free pregnancy tests to women in need has grown into a full family ministry—providing pregnancy support, parenting education, and resources that help parents build strong, faith-filled homes.
Every day, we see lives changed by the hope and love of Christ. It’s our joy to walk alongside families as they learn to be godly parents and embrace the gift of life.
You can be part of this mission by praying for our clients and staff, volunteering your time, or giving to support our life-saving work. To learn more or make a donation, visit partnersforlives.org.