Perfect Love

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out all fear." (1 John 4:18 NASB)

Many times I've looked at this verse and simply thought that God's perfect love meant we don't need to be afraid of anything. We can live our lives with no fear. And yes, that is all very true. But God has been showing me today that there is so much more involved.

If one looks at the entire context of John 4 we see that it is about outward manifestations of love. This perfect love does not just keep us from getting afraid of things, it is the power that compels us to love. It is our greatest weapon.

During my prayer time with God today He was showing me that perfect love is what Jesus used when He was about to go to the cross. If you read in Luke: 42-44 we can see that before the cross fear was present. Jesus knew the pain and agony He was about to face. I mean we are talking about one man dying the death of every single human being on earth. But love was stronger then fear. And His love cast the fear aside and made it possible for Him to be the hero of everyone.

Now this perfect love of Christ is in us. It fuels us. As Romans 5:8 states we first come to know this love that was demonstrated to us by Jesus' death on the cross, then come to realize that this love casts all fear aside, and then realize that "the love of Christ controls us." (2 Corinthians 5:14)

We can see this perfect love demonstrated in many seemingly "fearful" situations and how love has conquered. First look at Christ- at twelve He had no fear but was teaching religious leaders; He had no fear of being tempted by women when He spoke to the women at the well (see we have His perfect pure love too that causes us to not fear a dead flesh and dead lusts/temptations); and to Him declaring to His Father at the cross about those mocking Him "Father forgive them for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34 NASB) Then look at Stephen who was controlled by this same love- as Stephen was being stoned to death he too yelled for God to forgive his accusers. Then look at Paul who was beaten, ship wrecked, thrown in jail, and so much more the whole time totally confident and possessed by Christ's perfect love. Then of course one can look at modern lovers like Heidi and Rolland Baker who left all to serve orphans in Mozambique Africa; Georgian and Winnie Banov who travel all the world and even speak at garbage dumps; Benjamin and Stephanie Dunn who love on lepers with no fear of getting ill; people who adopt children who are handicapped; mothers who chose to give all for their children; couples who chose to forsake their old way of life to join together in marriage; and so much more.

Love is the most powerful thing. Love is God. God is love. And love looks so simple. Just check out 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. But the amazing thing is there is nothing stronger. Instead of picking power, anger, lighting bolts, swords, etc... God chose perfect love to conquer the world. And perfect love looks like Jesus defeating all wickedness and imparting all goodness to the world. This perfect love that shoves fear aside to take that bullet declaring "I love you." And it is this perfect love that has been imparted to us. We live for love just like Jesus did. We are obsessed with love. And actually Jesus chooses to love though us. We are one with him and feel how He feels about others and cannot help ourselves but to love. We are so connected to Him that we do not know if it's His love we are feeling for someone or our own or a mixture. And our response/reaction to anyone and anything is love.

Now you might be wondering why I shared this video with you about the very cranky bear. Check out that sheep in the story. Love casts her fear of that cranky bear aside. Instead she loved that bear and love won. Love always wins no matter what or who tries to oppose it.

Enjoy being controlled by Christ and His perfect love. Love is so fun and so addictive and it so works.

Thoughts on Unity

I have begun to see why Paul says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18). I believe Jesus has such a heart to see His people get along as family and understand that we are a family no matter what. 

I have a family- a large family. A regular Dudek bunch we are- three girls and three boys. Our family grew up in a small house with three girls in one room and three boys in another. We were home schooled. But we were also one of the coolest, funniest (and still are) families ever. We have always been loud, interrupting each other and crazy open. My parents were always willing to be real with us and we could be real with them... so real that at young ages we could rebuke our parents. A couple times when our parents were fighting (which was rare) we kids actually made them work it out and would tell them they were both being selfish. We do not all agree either. I mean we all believe in Jesus and love the Lord, but yes some of our theologies even differ. We can annoy each other and hurt each other. And yet we were the home (and still are) where everyone wants to be. Our holidays are the best and we all just enjoy and legit love one another. We are always there for each other no matter what and we would give everything to help one another. Even if we went off a wrong path I know we would still be family.

I believe this is what God wants for His church. And by church I mean "His people." If I was upset with a family member I'd work it out and we'd still be family. I see so much in the church that can honestly be quite silly. Sometimes we act like to be a family we have to meet certain qualifications and believe the same thing perfectly. Then each talk behind the other's back. And I can  just see Jesus saying, "Guys, you are a family. Why are you living a lie. Let love reign." Control, winning an argument, proving who's right and wrong is not what it is about. Jesus got down and washed the disciples feet and they didn't even understand who He was and their theology was wack. Love will show the way. And love is what the world needs. And satan knows that if he can get the church to act the opposite of their real identity the world will not want anything to do with Jesus.

"Jesus, your grace has purchased for us not just individual perfection, but the entire church body perfection. I pray for you to bring revelation of this across your people throughout the world and this nation. I pray love will reign and in love things will be worked out. I pray for the manifestation of unity and brotherly love the likes of which we've never seen- a love that the world sees and says, "Wow that's Jesus." A love that without trying we are the home where everyone wants to be just like my Dudek home. It's time Daddy that we stop our silly arguments and fears and lay down our insecurities and walk in our real identity. Satan has lied so long to all of us making us act worse toward one another then the world. No more. Jesus shine on. Thank you that you purchased your entire bride on the cross. Get the reaction that you want from your bride. And start with me. Show me the way. Help me. I love you. It is time.

In Jesus Name Amen."