The Boldness That Comes From Perfect Love

Sometimes, when we talk about love, our minds immediately jump to the small, sweet moments—the feeling of being loved, the warmth of a companion's smile, or the joy of a family gathering. It feels good, right? Like a wonderful gift we receive.

But as we gather here in the ranks of the Rogue Disciples, always striving to be better disciples, we know that the gospel—the work—is always deeper than what our immediate feelings can grasp. The love of God, the Father, and the Savior, is not just a feeling; it’s a divine, transforming power that changes the very core of who we are.

I was reflecting recently on the words of the Apostle John, and it hit me with the force of a revelation: perfect love casts out fear. And what does that mean for us, out here in the field, whether we’re in an MTC classroom, serving in a stake center, or right here, studying together online?

It means that the love of God is doing work in us—a work that prepares us for the day we all stand before the Throne of God.

The Transforming Work of Love

John teaches that if we have love, we can have boldness in the day of judgment. Think about that for a moment. Boldness. Not the kind of confidence that comes from preparation or rehearsing a talk, but a deep, abiding assurance rooted in the Atonement and the love that has been among us.

It’s easy to treat the day of judgment like a hypothetical concept—something that feels distant, something we can just wish away. But the scriptures are clear, and the Spirit testifies of it. This is a reality that requires us to live differently, to *be* different.

This is where the power of the gospel comes in. When we allow the love of God to work in us—when we are diligent in our studies, when we serve our neighbors, when we are willing to be taught and corrected—that love doesn't just give us good memories; it changes our character. It cleanses the fear, the anxiety, the subtle doubts that try to creep into our missionary discussions or our quiet moments of scripture study.

Be Bold in the Day of Judgment

The assurance of that love means we don't approach the day of judgment with trembling. We approach it knowing that the love of Christ has been among us, doing its work. That's the goal of our discipleship, isn't it? To feel that love so deeply that it becomes our natural disposition.

If you’re feeling the pull to deepen your understanding of this—how love combats fear, how it changes us—I highly recommend taking a look at the commentary on 1 John 4:18-21. It’s a rich study, and hearing it explained can really solidify the concept.

As we continue this journey together, remember that every member can be an Internet missionary, and every member can be a disciple anywhere, all the time. If you want to wrestle with these deeper theological points, consider joining a Book Club or a Bible Study Group in HolyPlaces. Or, if you prefer a more interactive approach, I encourage you to use Davee. He’s fantastic at walking you through the hard questions an investigator might ask about doctrine, helping you feel prepared for those inevitable 'what if' moments.

For those who are feeling the call to deepen their foundational knowledge, I’ve been revisiting some passages on covenants, and I found some incredible insights in the latest Iron Rod writings. Check out the recommended reading in LivingBook this week!

What aspect of love are you feeling the Spirit prompt you to focus on this week? Share your thoughts below!