Sermon on 1 John 4:16-21, for the 1st Sunday after Trinity (1 Yr lectionary), "Love Perfected"
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen. What does it mean to be perfect? Depending on what you are talking about, you could probably stir up some pretty hot disagreement about that word. What defines a “perfect” work of art? A painting, a sculpture, or a story or a song? How closely it reflects reality? Other’s might argue that “perfection” isn’t even a goal we should aim for. They might find the beauty in the irregularities and imperfections of life, the organic beauty of nature, or the jumbled threads that make up the back of a tapestry. Or what defines a perfect person, or perfect parenting, or a perfect job? We might get into similar arguments about right or wrong methods, about the danger of “perfectionism”, impossible standards, etc. “Perfect” can be a contentious word. Do we resent the idea of “perfection” when almost everyone these days says: “nobody’s perfect!”—or do we just want someone to cut us some slack? Whatever your opinions on tho...