As Light Dissolves

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.” I John 4: 7.

As light dissolves the shadow’s sway
So love drives out all fear.
The night retreats before the day,
As love turns hate to cheer.

The army of advancing love
Fools night without deceit
No raptor strikes; instead a dove
Descends the foe to meet.
See patience, hope, and kindness head
This army’s avant-garde.
But selflessness is yet more dread:
He bears the healing nard.

Then suffering — the coup de grâce —
Lays down his life for foes.
So entering through death’s dark maw,
With light death overthrows.

The horde of fear and wrath retreats;
Their swords reformed as spades.
Thus so when love with hate competes,
Victorious light invades.