A Perfected Love: Reflections on 1 John 4

What is "perfect" love, and does God truly expect us to achieve it?

In this week’s "Snapshots from the Bible," Pastor Justin explores 1 John 4:12–18 in a message titled "A Perfected Love." He dives into the profound reality of the love God expressed to us through Jesus Christ—a love that is not just a sentiment, but a standard.

The Call to Reflect Christ

God calls us to extend this same perfected love toward others, with a particular emphasis on our brothers and sisters in Christ. While "perfection" can feel like an impossible weight, the scripture reminds us of two encouraging truths:

• Sanctification: Our ability to love perfectly is a growth process, not an overnight switch.

• The Holy Spirit: This transformation is only possible through the Spirit God has placed within us, enabling us to love beyond our natural capacity

Do you want to be first in line? What are you willing to do to be considered first? In this week’s “Snapshots from the Bible” Podcast, quoting Mark 9:35, in a message entitled “The Back of the Line,” Pastor Justin reminds of a time when Jesus’ own disciples argued over who would be first in the Kingdom. Jesus’s answer is astounding by worldly standards, that they who are the most humble, the most willing to serve instead of being served, provided them, and Us, with a truth to live by.

Does God still speak? What does He have to say? How does God speak to us? Welcome to this week’s Snapshots from the Bible podcast, recorded and produced by Knox Church, located in Kenmore, New York. In today’s Snapshots from the Bible Podcast, quoting the Old Testament Book of 1st Kings, the 19th chapter, looking specifically at verses 11 and 12, Pastor Justin recalls a time when God spoke to His prophet Elijah, not through shouting, or an earthquake, or a great wind, but through His still, small voice. God speaks to us today, through His Holy Scriptures, both the Old and New Testaments, and guides us in the paths we need to go. Sometimes, we just need to be quiet and listen.