Not-so-simply Love

We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first.
1st John 4:16-19 NLT

Do you remember your first love? Do you remember how that felt? You could talk for hours. You were content just to sit and bask in the presence of your beloved. Just to be near was enough. You wanted to be better - to be more - to be everything that person "deserved" so you would be loved in return. Ahhhhh...first love...
Oh, you just knew that person was perfect... or at least, perfect for you.

What about love that has stood the test of time? Day in and day out, week in and week out, months in and months out. Years... Your love has matured. You are committed. And you'll take the tried and true over the giddiness of new. Oh, you wish he didn't ________ or wouldn't ___________ or that he would ______________. And her? If she would just ______________ or not ________________. You know what I'm talking about.  However, you realize the only perfect person was crucified for being perfect and there is no one else who even comes close to being in danger of crucifixion for perfection. 

What if there really was such a thing as a perfect love? A perfect mate? A perfect relationship? Someone who was perfect for real, but at the same time would overlook your imperfections? Someone who could see past any physical flaws or your neediness or your inabilities. Someone who would love you no matter what you did, no matter what you said, no matter what you looked like. Someone who spoke the love language of your heart. Someone who knew exactly what it would take to love you and make you feel that love all the way inside. Someone who never leaves, is always there. Someone whose whole goal is relationship with you. Someone who wants what is best for your life - to promote you and the abilities you have and who will do and has done everything necessary to make that happen. Someone who has proven to be steadfast and true through the test of time and for all eternity.

Let me arrange the introduction. His Name is Adonai. God the Lord. Your ultimate perfection is guaranteed through His perfect love gift - His Son, Jesus Christ. God doesn't just love. He IS love and He commands us to love.

Prayer:

Father,
♪♫ O to be like Thee! Blessed Redeemer, this is my constant longing and prayer. Gladly I'll forfeit all of earth's treasures, Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear. O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee! Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art. Come in Thy sweetness. Come in Thy fullness. Plant Thine own image deep on my heart. ♪♫* In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen

* hymn "O To Be Like Thee" by Thomas Chisholm and William Kirkpatrick