1 John 4:7-18
Recently, I participated in an online study and reflection of Julian of Norwich’s Divine Love. Written by a 14th century English laywoman, an anchoress, who had a near-death experience during which she had several visions of God communicating to her. Her book provoked my typical scepticism, but I found myself captivated by her reflections upon the 16 visions she experienced. As I read, I was reminded of several passages I had memorized over the years about God’s love. I realize I have much to learn about the love of God. Perhaps we all do?
Lent invites us into a season of honest reflection, repentance, and renewal. 1 John 4:7–18 draws us into the very heart of God’s character: love. Not sentimental affection, not vague goodwill, but the self-giving, fear-dismantling love revealed in Jesus Christ. John begins with a simple exhortation, “Beloved, let us love one another,” and then grounds that call in God’s own nature. Love is not merely something God does; it is who God is. Every act of mercy, every moment of forgiveness, every breath of grace flows from God’s essence.
During Lent we often focus on our shortcomings, our failures, our sins. This is appropriate and necessary. Yet John reminds us that the purpose of God’s love is not to shame us but to transform us. “Perfect love casts out fear.” Lent is not meant to trap us in fear of judgment but to free us from it. Christ’s passionate love, his life, death, and resurrection, reveal a God who moves toward us, not away from us. A God who abides with us. A God who desires that we abide in love.
John’s words challenge us to examine the ways fear shapes our lives. Fear of not being enough. Fear of being rejected. Fear of the future. Fear of vulnerability. Fear of loving others who may not love us back. These fears can harden our hearts, shrink our compassion, and distort our view of God. But Lent offers a soul reformation: a slow, steady return to the God whose love is stronger than our fear.
To abide in God’s love is to allow that love to reshape our habits, our relationships, and our inner narratives. It means letting God’s love, not our anxieties, be the starting point. It means trusting that God’s love is not fragile or conditional but steadfast and enduring. It means we live our lives reflecting God’s love to all.
As we journey toward the cross, we remember that love, not fear, has the final word. Christ’s outstretched arms gather the whole world into God’s embrace. In that embrace, fear loses its grip, and we are made new.
Questions for Reflection:
- Where does fear still shape our relationship with God or others, and how might God’s love speak into that fear?
- How is God inviting us to embody self-giving love during this Lenten season?
Prayer:
God of perfect love, draw me deeper into your heart. Cast out the fears that keep me from receiving your grace and offering love to others. Shape my life according to your compassion, and let your love be the ground on which I stand. Amen.
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