Perfect Love

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.”—1 John 4:18

Born in London on this day in 1858, Dorothy Frances Blomfield Gurney became a noted poet, perhaps best known for her poem “God’s Garden,” which is the source of a verse often seen on garden signs: “One is nearer God’s heart in a garden than anywhere else on earth.”

One evening Gurney and her family were singing hymns. In this joyous atmosphere, her sister, who soon was getting married, challenged Gurney to write something suitable for her upcoming wedding. She disappeared into their library and within 15 minutes returned with a poem, “O Perfect Love.” It was a poem that would become a hymn particularly appropriate for marriage.

In her poem, Gurney described how God’s love is perfect and provided the foundation for a blessed marriage and all relationships. This love is so rich and deep that it causes us to kneel in God’s presence, grateful and overwhelmed.

God’s love delivers us from life’s pains and inspires us to realize how much He cares for us. Knowing the depth of His love, we can be steadfast and confident. With this relationship with the Father, Gurney’s poem prayed that He would grant them joy and a “peace which calms all earthly strife.”

She finished with a prayer that God would bless her sister’s life and marriage and that people everywhere could experience this love. It was a love that changes lives—a love that, in every way, is perfect.

Reflection Question: How can you show genuine love to those around you today?