Get Grounded in Perfect Love

I was invited to participate in a private online forum where I can share my heart in a conversational way to over three-hundred women. It was clear to me that I was to accept this invitation not only to share, but to meet other women. Trying carefully not to overstep any unseen boundaries I began a discussion on self-image. I mentioned my low tolerance of complacency for the reason that I believe women can do and be much more than they consent to.  

My reason was from a place of compassion for women who are indoctrinated by others and are deceived to believe they are not worthy or important. So I shared that I recognize their need for inner healing and knowing this hurts my heart.

To my immediate surprise, many responses began pouring in. But the amazing thing was one lady responded that she is indeed one of the frustrated and paralyzed women held captive because of a fear that keeps her stuck. She mentioned that trying to figuratively pull her feet out of thick mud is to no avail. She went on to transparently admit that posting in the forum was a big leap for her because she would normally agonize on what to say and if it would be right. It wasn’t a day as usual for this lady because I was there and knew I could help her.

And then she wrote something so very profound.

“What they/we/me need more of is love that they/we/me are capable of the leap.”

Wow! There is no doubt in my mind that this woman is one-hundred percent correct. She obviously recognizes the virtue of love has been shattered in her life. And from my professional experience it is generally somewhere in the area of the upbringing.

And if love is your missing ingredient, I want you to read the remainder of this article very carefully.

If you’ve been reading my column for some time now you know that I am your best cheerleader and believe you are equipped to carry out any good thing that’s in your heart.

The Scriptures tell us what love is and what love is not. “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Cor. 13:4-7). 

These passages are speaking directly to you and me, because the Scripture also tells us that God is love (1 John 4:8). Love then is the defining characteristic of God’s presence among us. Therefore, it should be the defining characteristic in us. With that said, we must let God’s unconditional love permeate our attitudes, motives, thoughts, words and, of course, our actions. Begin to meditate on this.

I challenge you to let love come alive within you. Read 1 Corinthians 13 aloud in its entirety and substitute “Christ” for the word “love.” Then pray it as a prayer for your own life for the virtue of love to become evident in you.

Why should you do this?

Because the miracle of Christ’s indwelling power is that the love He reveals to you is exactly the love He will communicate to others through you. Then you will live with the boldness and confidence to be all that you were created to be. At that time, knowing who you are will become so real to you and it won’t matter what has been said or done to you.

This is how you rid yourself of inhibitions, insecurities and fear—because there is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18).

Please let me know if this article speaks to your heart by commenting below or direct mailing me at dmurphy@eewmagazine.com