Made Perfect in Love

When Rev. Jennifer McDonald was 17 years old, she preached a message on Youth Sunday. It was framed on 1 John 4. Fast forward to 2025, she delivered a sermon based on the same scripture to 400 people gathered for worship on Saturday, June 7, at the Dakotas Annual Conference.

"In First John, we read, if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us," shared Rev. Jennifer McDonald, who serves St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Jamestown, North Dakota. "Because we are saved by grace through faith, that means that we can love; when we give ourselves for others, the purpose of God's love is achieved."

At the time of ordination, candidates for ministry respond to 19 questions that John Wesley posed to all his preachers in the 1700s.

"Bishop Lanette [Plambeck] will ask our candidates. 'Do you have faith in Christ?' She will go on to ask them, 'Are you going on to perfection? Do you expect to be made perfect in this life? Are you earnestly striving after a perfect life?' Candidates answer yes, with the help of God," said Rev. McDonald. "What? Nobody is perfect, right?"

In "The Account of Christian Perfection," John Wesley defines a Methodist as someone who loves God with their entire being (heart, soul, mind, and strength) and expresses gratitude in all circumstances. This love for God is central to the character of a Methodist, who also lives a life of gratefulness, understanding that all things come from God. 

"He means that for a Christian, their one intention always and in all places is not to please himself, but God's soul and love. God reigns alone with perfection and a perfect love," said Pastor Jennifer. "Doesn't that take your breath away?"

McDonald shared that we all make mistakes and face temptations in life. "Christians are not free from temptations. We remember that even our Lord was tempted. Even the most mature Christian yields to temptation. Christians are freed from the power of sin by the grace of God."

A perfect love comes with faith. Faith brings an understanding of God's boundless love.

"According to Wesley, this is the ultimate goal of a human life: to be holy and to live a perfect love. That is the goal of our Christian life, our life following Jesus," Pastor Jennifer stated.

After sharing this large theological perspective, Pastor Jennifer transitioned to the story of when God created the very first hive of honeybees. The queen bee created a safe place for several baby bees. When they hatched, they discovered their gifts and used them to their advantage. The hive began to die. God came along and breathed new life into the beehive. The bees started to work together, utilizing their talents as a team that supported one another and others outside the hive. God smiled because the honeybees had become perfect.

"Perfection can only be received by faith. It is the gift of God's grace, a sheer gift. God created us in this moment for us to live our purpose. Our purpose is to share the give with somebody else," said Pastor Jennifer.

The 2025 Miracle for the United Methodist Committee on Relief was received. To date, $45,500 has been received. Gifts are still being accepted. Access the details on the 2025 Miracle Offering. 

"Gracious God, we give you thanks for your unfailing love and the bounty of your blessings in our lives. We present this offering to you now, set apart for the vital work of bringing healing and hope to individuals and communities impacted by natural disasters or humanitarian crises,"  prayed Bishop Lanette Plambeck as she blessed the gifts received.