1 John 4:15-21: The Essence of God's Love
The Confession of Faith
In 1 John 4:15-21, the apostle John emphasizes the importance of confessing that Jesus is the Son of God. This confession is not just a mere acknowledgment, but a genuine expression of faith that comes from a deep understanding of God's love.
15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
Here, John highlights the significance of confessing Jesus as the Son of God. This confession is not just a statement of fact, but a declaration of faith that demonstrates our understanding of God's love. When we confess Jesus as the Son of God, we are acknowledging His divinity and the sacrifice He made for us on the cross.
God's Love: The Foundation of Our Faith
16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
In verse 16, John emphasizes the importance of understanding God's love. God's love is not just an attribute of His character; it is His very essence. When we dwell in love, we dwell in God, and God dwells in us. This is the foundation of our faith – understanding and experiencing God's love.
Fearless in Love
17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
John explains that when we understand God's love, we can live fearlessly, even in the face of judgment. We can stand boldly before God, not because of our own righteousness, but because we are in Christ, and He is our righteousness.
Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
In verse 18, John highlights the transformative power of God's love. When we experience perfect love, fear is cast out. Fear of judgment, fear of rejection, fear of uncertainty – all these are replaced by the confidence that comes from knowing God's love. When we are made perfect in love, we are no longer bound by fear.
The Love We Receive, We Must Give
19 We love him, because he first loved us.
John reminds us that the love we receive from God is not just for our own benefit. We are called to love others as God has loved us. This is not a superficial or selfish love, but a selfless and sacrificial love that flows from the heart of God.
20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
In verse 20, John emphasizes the importance of demonstrating our love for God by loving our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we claim to love God but hate our neighbor, we are lying to ourselves. Our love for God is demonstrated in our love for others.
21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
In the final verse of this passage, John reiterates the commandment to love our brothers and sisters in Christ. This is not an option, but a requirement of our faith. When we love God, we will naturally love those who are also loved by God.
In conclusion, 1 John 4:15-21 emphasizes the importance of confessing Jesus as the Son of God, understanding God's love, and demonstrating that love to others. As we grow in our understanding of God's love, we are freed from fear and empowered to love others as God has loved us.
