1 John 4:17-18: The Confidence of God's Love
Introduction
In the book of 1 John, the apostle John writes about the importance of loving one another and having confidence in God's love. In chapter 4, verses 17-18, John shares a profound truth about the love of God and how it affects our lives.
The Passage
1 John 4:17-18 (NIV)
"And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him."
The Confidence of God's Love
In this passage, John emphasizes the importance of having confidence in God's love. He writes that we can rely on God's love because God is love itself. This love is not just a feeling or an emotion, but it is the very essence of God's nature. When we live in love, we live in God, and God in us. This means that we are one with God, and His love dwells in us.
The Day of Judgment
John also writes that this confidence in God's love will give us confidence on the day of judgment. The day of judgment is a day when everyone will stand before God to give an account of their lives. For those who live in God's love, there is no fear of judgment, because they know that they are loved and accepted by God.
Living like Jesus
John writes that in this world, we are like Jesus. This means that we are to live a life that reflects the love of God, just like Jesus did. When we live in love, we live like Jesus, and this gives us confidence in God's love.
Conclusion
In 1 John 4:17-18, we are reminded of the importance of having confidence in God's love. This confidence comes from knowing that God is love and that His love dwells in us. As we live in love, we are one with God, and we will have confidence on the day of judgment. Let us strive to live a life that reflects the love of God, just like Jesus did, and have confidence in the love that God has for us.
