I have been grappling with what this truly means, especially in a world where the more good you extend to those around you, the more hurt you seem to receive in return. Many people are not genuine; they seek to take advantage of your kindness and goodwill. Yet, I know that we are called to the gospel of love. It is the essence of our life and the path we are commanded to walk as we eagerly await the day we meet the Lord face to face. However, the question persists—where is the balance? How do we protect and nurture the precious heart of love that God has caused to dwell within us? Thank you for creating a platform like this to explore such deep truths. May God's grace continue to abound upon you 🤍✨.
First, I want to commend the purity and sincerity of your question. It reflects a heart earnestly seeking clarity and truth. As we ponder it together, we are reminded of the demands of love in the harsh reality of the world we live in. Yet, beneath the weight of your burden, I sense a heart longing for comfort and rest. So, let me assure you, my friend—you are not alone in this journey. God Himself comforts the tender heart He has awakened within you, and the entire family of faith stands with you in spirit. Hear the encouragement of the great cloud of witnesses and keep running your race. In you is the strength to stand firm and overcome whatever this world throws at you. Now, let's reflect on the question of perfect love. 1. True Love Obeys When Jesus, the Man of Love, made this profound statement in John 14:15—"If you love me, keep my commands"—He revealed a foundational truth: True love expresses itself in obedience. LOVE IS LASER-FOCUSED ON THE GOAL BEFORE IT! Love is not concerned with favorable circumstances but rather with the responsibility placed upon it. Love is unwavering and draws strength from the goal set before it, enabling endurance through all hardships. This is why Jesus resolutely fulfilled His mission on the cross despite intense resistance—even from the very people He came to save [John 10:17-18, John 3:14, Luke 12:50]. As Hebrews 12:2 reminds us: "Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith [meaning be motivated by Christ & how he embraced his journey]. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." Similarly, Apostle Paul declared in 2 Timothy 2:8-10 that he endured suffering, even imprisonment, for the sake of those he was called to serve. This endurance was rooted in his love for God and others, grounded in his calling to bring the message of salvation and eternal glory to many [1 Timothy 2:7]. 2. Love Endures Pain for the Greater Good True love reveals itself in the crucible of pain. God demonstrated His boundless love through the sacrifice of His "One & Only" Son. Likewise, His Son also endured rejection, shame, and suffering for the sake of those who were not even seeking Him [Romans 5:7-8]. This act of selfless love restored the divine order of the universe [Colossians 1:20]. Perfect love teaches us that: a. Love is selfless. b. Selflessness is painful. c. Yet, we can endure this pain because the Spirit of Love empowers us. d. By unleashing His multi-facet fruit in our hearts: To be Joyful in sorrow Peaceful in the storm Patience in trials Faithful in spite of opposition Gentleness when provoked This is the supernatural outworking of perfect love in our lives. 3. Love Is Endless Love has no limits. It expands and fills the heart as much as we open ourselves to it. Romans 12:17-21 emphasizes this truth: "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." We are called to live in peace with everyone as far as it depends on us [enduring and allowing this endless fruit of love from God to us, to find expression in our daily lives]. Vengeance and justice belong to God, and we are invited to trust His timing and righteousness. This endless flow of love equips us to overcome even the deepest wounds inflicted by others. In Conclusion Perfect love is not a promise of a pain-free life. In fact, the journey of love often leads to trials and sacrifices, especially when we walk the path inspired by God [1 Peter 3:17, 2 Timothy 3:12]. However, the true test of perfect love lies in persevering—remaining steadfast in the truth of the greatest story ever told: the story of God’s selfless love through His Son. It is a call to yearn, to imitate, and to walk in the footsteps of the One who has called us to reflect His Glory [1 John 3:1-3]. Because love is endless, it carries within it a redemptive power that transcends circumstances. Martin Luther King Jr., in one of his greatest reflections on love, said: "Just keep loving—keep on loving. For love has within itself an inherent ability to redeem others. If you will just keep moving forward in love, one day your expression of it will break and melt their hearts, drawing them back through the transforming power of love." So, my friend, take heart. Grace and peace be with you as you continue on this journey of perfect love. Shalom, 🫂 ❤️‍🔥