Nothing but Love
The greatest friend of purity is that which purifies. The gold is not afraid of the fire – only the dross is afraid of the fire. To be free from dross is to be free from fear. For the gold to desire the dross is to desire its own greatest hindrance. “Hereby know we that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He hath given us of His Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect [completed], that we may have boldness in the day of judgement: because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect [matured] love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment [punishment]. He that feareth is not made perfect [completed] in love.” 1 John 4:13-18
You’re right, it is tremendously freeing to know that God want us to be like Him even “in this world.” We need not struggle or strive to be like Him but surrender to His work on us! God bless you with this even according to the meaning of your name Michael.
Many sing the right words, “all you need is love”.
But based on the public news, it is evident that there is a serious disconnect between popular philosophy and actual experience.
The foundation for love is when “we have known and believed the love that God hath to us”. Let’s rejoice in this central theme at Easter. “God is love”.
“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom 5:8).
Excellent analogy.
Very profound! I never quite thought of it that way before.
Thinking about this one still gives me a thrill – I wish I had thought about it a lot more since the time I wrote it. Where has my mind been all this time?