Devotionals

The Perfect Example

by Anne Adams
05/01/26
Free to Share
Author requests article critique

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

We love him because he first loved us I John 4:19 NJKV

  Occasionally in a court case a forensic expert may be called in to verify the legitimacy and authenticity of a document like a will or contract and usually specifically a signature on it. To do this the expert will compare the signature under question to a known and perfect sample of the subject’s handwriting, looking at such factors as letter formation, slant, and spacing. If the signature is suspicious, one possibility is that it had been traced. In that case a forged signature under magnification may be evident when it seems to have been produced hesitantly by a forger, not dashed off quickly like a genuine signature. Yet of course to actually ascertain a forgery, the expert must have a recognized legitimate original (called an exemplar) for comparison. In short, he has to have the real thing - the perfect example.

In a similar way when we see God’s love for us as the perfect example of his real character - and particularly his love for us.  Then, as John described it, when we respond to others with love, it’s because we learned that from God’s example in loving us. In a way our response toward others is because it was something that God first exemplified.

And what an incredible example he is – particularly when we remember that his love is so dependable and assured that even when we fail him he does not fail us. His love is incomparably dependable no matter our response – after all, it all depends on him, not what we do.

For as we continue to experience his constant and consistent care and provision we see a perfect illustration of what love is and should be.  From God, who is of course the Perfect Example.

Yet as John indicated we are not to hoard God’s love but to share it – and follow his perfect example.