Perfect love casts out fear

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. (1 John 4:18)

Is there such a thing as “perfect love”? As Christians, we know that “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) There can be no more perfect, unconditional love than that summarized in this one Gospel verse. 

But what about earthly love? Is there such a thing as “perfect love” amongst humans? 

History tells countless stories of sacrificial love. The Bible reminds us that “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) Indeed, heroic acts of bravery in defense of others are the stuff that legends are made of. 

One such act of valor involves four men of faith who are remembered for the heroism they performed collectively during World War II. The “Four Chaplains,” as the quartet came to be known, were comprised of Lt. George L. Fox, Methodist Minister; Lt. Alexander D. Goode, Jewish Rabbi; Lt. John P. Washington, Roman Catholic Priest; and Lt. Clark V. Poling, Dutch Reformed Reverand. 

The group met at Harvard University’s Army Chaplain’s School, but fate brought them back together again in February 1943. In the midst of the ongoing war, these four chaplains accompanied 902 soldiers aboard the Dorchester. This former luxury liner was transporting troops across the Atlantic between Newfoundland to Greenland. 

On the evening of February 3, the ship’s captain ordered the soldiers to sleep fully clothed, each wearing a protective life preserver. The icy waters were perilous and German U-boats were known to frequent these waters. 

Many of the men dirregarded the captain’s order due to the heat inside the ship’s bow and the discomfort such accommodations would provide. This simple act of insubordination caused many to perish as a result. 

At 12:55 am, a German U-223 spotted the Dorchester and fired three torpedoes at the vessel – one of which stuck the ship broadside. In just 20 minutes, the ship would sink to its doom below the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean – just 150 miles from its final destination. 

During that 20-minute interval, the four clergymen comforted the injured, aided sailors in distributing life jackets, and helped panicked seaman move to lifeboats. “Witnesses of that terrible night remember hearing the four men offer prayers for the dying and encouragement for those who would live,” explained Wyatt R. Fox, son of Reverend Fox.

Private William B. Bednar provided first-hand testimony to the calming presence offered by the ministers. “I could hear men crying, pleading, praying,” Bednar explained. “I could also hear the chaplains preaching courage. Their voices were the only thing that kept me going.”

After all stowed lifejackets had been distributed, witnesses recount seeing the chaplains surrender their own to fleeing passengers. “It was the finest thing I have seen or hope to see this side of heaven,” said survivor John Ladd.

As the ship sank to its icy grave, witnesses describe seeing the chaplains, linked arm-in-arm, verbally offering prayers for both the perishing and survivors alike. While the Dorchester was unable to send a distress call due to her disabled power systems, two of her escort ships were fortunate to rescue 230 survivors from the frigid waters. In all, 672 service members, including the chaplains, perished on that fateful evening. 

Ambrose Redmoon once said that “Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear.” 

Of more importance is the demonstration of love – perfect love. While we may never be called upon to lay down our lives for others selflessly, each one of us has the opportunity to show love every single day. After all, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear. (1 John 4:18) 

God’s love never fails. May our love for others always do the same.

#TheFourChaplains; #God’sLove; #PerfectLove