09: Formational Relationships
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."
(1 John 4:18 NIV)
Date: 90-95 AD
Writer: Apostle John
The Context
The circumstances in 1 John are not immediately obvious. The writing is attributed to the Apostle John, and it has similar language to the book of John, but the letter itself mentions nothing about who wrote it, or who received it. He appears to be writing to a divided congregation, and some have even separated from the congregation. Those who have separated do not believe that Jesus came into the world as a man. There is a struggle with understanding both the humanity and divinity of Jesus. So, John writes to affirm both, and instruct them that any belief otherwise is not of God. He assures them that he personally knew Jesus, and that their misunderstandings are unholy and they are a hindrance from the gift of eternal life.
The Book
The story arc is not elaborate as the book is quite short. It opens with a prologue, then emphasizes a message that God is light, followed by a message of love. It also includes several verses of instruction to "love one another," as a simple reiteration of God's commandment. Aside from assuring Jesus's humanity and divinity, the writer wanted the community to know that God's love extends wherever believers love one another. For John, "Love is the sign and source of a true relationship with God."
The Text
Chapter 4 begins with a discussion on "testing spirits." John is encouraging the community to be wary of false prophets, and people of the world, as they do not speak the truth. Then, the chapter shifts to a discussion of love.
The Relevance
Often times, when we think of a discussion of love in the Bible, the first scripture that comes to mind is 1 Corinthians 13:4 ("Love is patient, love is kind") And, while that text shares many characteristics about love, it doesn't quite get to the foundations of love, which is God's love for us. 1 John 4:18 is a guiding light within the formational journey because it speaks to the foundations of holy love, which is a relationship with God. Our love of God and others is shaped by God's commandment to love. But, our belief and understanding about God shapes how we embody that love on a daily basis. God's love is sacrificial and perfect, and sometimes, love will feel like a sacrifice, because those close to us can behave in ways that may be hard to love. But, it's momentary. Everyone in our lives is on their own life journey, full of their own set of lessons and growing pains. This verse is a guiding light within the formational journey because at the heart of spiritual formation is a call to love.
The Witness
I once read that the opposite of love is indifference, but now I know that the opposite of love is fear. Look at the world we live in. If there was more love, some of the situations that permeate our world would simply not exist. When it comes to formational relationships, the root is love. It begins with an awareness of how God loves us. First, we are loved by God. In response, we love Him. Then, we love others more. And in return, we receive more love from others through Him. Thereby, love is made perfect. Personally, as my formational journey continued along, God's love healed my heart. (See the "Formational Heart" blog to read more about this.) Love took shape in my life in a very natural way. Becoming a mother was a huge part of that. For the first time in life, I came to know how much God loves me, because of how much I loved my child. That is how true love started to unfold in my life -- it started with God! To this day, that understanding has changed how I view love and engage love in my life. God's love has brought generational healing within my family dynamic. To be transparent, that has not always been an easy journey. It took some time for the love to do its holy work. However, looking back over the past several years, I can see His footprints. The love of God also led me to seminary, and walked me straight into my purpose. But, I had to step out on faith through love to heed God's nudge and submit the application. When God has something for you, often, we have to step out on faith, through love. You cannot do that with fear. Love is a posture. It is a prayer. It is a state of being. It is every breath you take. It is everything.
Resources
Attridge, The HarperCollins Study Bible
Gaventa, The New Interpreter's Bible One Volume Commentary
Harrelson, The New Interpreter's Study Bible
Powell, The HarperCollins Bible Dictionary