May 13: Perfection

Scripture Lesson: 1 John 4:16b-18

In a Class D Appalachian League game on this date in 1952, pitcher Ron Necciai of Bristol, Virginia struck out 27 batters for a no-hitter against Welch, Virginia. If the catcher for Bristol had not missed a third strike, allowing one runner to reach base, Necciai would have had a perfect game.

These words from 1 John remind us that God is love. When we live in love, we live in God and God lives in us. We don’t need to fear the day of judgment, but can have confidence because of our faith and love of God. We can be made perfect in love by loving and believing in Him. Perfection is difficult at best in the game of baseball. In the game of life the same is true. However, on judgment day we will be made perfect because of our faith and love of God. We will then begin to live truly perfect lives in heaven. What a reassurance this is today. We cannot obtain perfection in this world, but we can one day be perfect because of our faith and love for God, and His Son our Savior, Jesus Christ.

1. What enables us to gain perfection?

2. Why must we live like Christ?

3. How do we escape eternal punishment?

The God of love perfects us with His love as we love and follow Him.