Perfection by Love
But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection…
(Colossians 3:14, NKJV)
The world demands that whatever we do, we do it to perfection. This is a tall order for most people and even those who succeed to be perfect in one area, they fail in others. The search to reach perfection and to have a reputation of being a perfect individual has evaded many people who have sought to pursue this path. Take an example of a parent who wants to meet all the needs and demands of his child, where the child had asked for a given item, but he forgets to buy it. Upon reaching home, the child asks for the item only for the parent to realize that he forgot to buy it. Looking at the child whose face is full of optimistic expectation, the parent will go through a sense of guilt, a failure in being a good parent. While the child might not understand why or how the parent could have forgotten, it is okay for the parent to accept that his best still has flaws. The fact is that human beings rarely get things totally perfect and this is not unique to some of us but to all of us. Moments of failure to achieve the perfect mark come upon us in different times and the weight of guilt can put us down, yet we cannot fully help ourselves.
Acknowledging this failing state as part of human frailty, we need to humbly accept our vulnerability and failures. Humility helps us to appreciate the efforts we make while at the same time take cognizance of our inability to help ourselves into perfection. We read that a rich young ruler approached Jesus and called Him, ‘good teacher’. Jesus responded that none is good except God (Luke 18:19). Apostle Paul in writing to the Colossians reminds them to do whatever they do heartily as unto the Lord (Colossians 4:23-25). The verses remind us that God will reward our works whether good or bad. The call is to do our best for God looks at what our best is. Our reference verse calls us to relate with each other in love, for there is no fear in love. The fear that comes from failing is covered when love is extended. Living in love is extending grace for the weaknesses of others as well as our own, for we all stumble from time to time (James 3:2). These moments of weakness could lead to consequences, either way, may we learn the lessons so that we get better next time.
(Matthew 5:48) calls us to be perfect even as our Father in heaven is perfect. This is not a contradiction, the preceding verses emphasis the place of love for one another, helping us know that perfection is linked to love. Beloved, our perfection is in Christ not in our efforts. God in His mercies understands our mortal nature and in love, He overlooks the weight of our guilt. In spite of our frailties, He loves us perfectly and forgives our sins when we call on Him. He invites us to live in the awareness of our identity in Him as forgiven and redeemed, not in our performance. There is nothing we could do to earn His acceptance. When we think of our performance, we will continually be guilty, looking back at what we have done instead of looking ahead to the hope of glory which is in Christ Jesus.
Thoughts:
In what areas are you struggling with guilt?
How has God’s love relieved you of the guilt?
How have you loved your fellow man?