Perfect Love
by Beth Wangler
So this is what they mean
By perfect love that casts out fear:
Your face I’ve never seen,
But still I know that You are near.
Your presence makes me bold
To take the risks I’d never dare
If I were young or old.
Your favor frees me from all care.
Amidst the deepest doubt
About what others think of me,
I never need freak out.
Your favor, Lord, is all I seek.
And when all hope seems gone—
I worry never to find love—
Your promise lingers on,
Reminding soon I’ll rest above.
That is the true respite:
That nothing in this life—no pain,
No weeping late at night—
Compares to all I soon shall gain.
This wretched life is short,
But life goes on and on past death.
We’ll dwell within Your court,
Forever from my final breath.
My trespass You forgive
And call an end to our past strife.
It strengthens me to live,
The promise of eternal life.
So this is what they mean
By perfect love that casts out fear.
Your face one day I’ll see
And until then You’re always near.
This verse has been on my mind a lot recently, and hence the poem: