1 John 4:17-21: The Perfect Love That Casts Out Fear
Confidence on the Day of Judgment
In 1 John 4:17-21, the apostle John writes about the perfect love that God has for us, and how it relates to our confidence on the day of judgment. Let's dive into these verses and explore their meaning.
The Perfect Love
"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." (1 John 4:17, KJV)
The perfect love referred to in this verse is not our love for God, but God's love for us. This love is not based on our worthiness or performance, but on God's character and nature. This perfect love is what gives us confidence on the day of judgment.
No Fear in Love
"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." (1 John 4:18, KJV)
Fear and love are mutually exclusive. When we understand God's perfect love for us, fear has no place in our hearts. Fear of judgment, fear of rejection, fear of punishment – all these fears are cast out by the perfect love of God. This does not mean that we will not experience difficulties or challenges, but we can face them with confidence, knowing that God is with us.
God's Love in Us
"We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19, KJV)
God's love is not just a feeling or an emotion; it is a choice He made to love us unconditionally. This love is not based on our performance or worthiness, but on His character and nature. As we understand this love, we are able to love others in the same way.
Command to Love
"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?" (1 John 4:20, KJV)
John emphasizes the importance of loving our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we claim to love God, but hate our brother, we are liars. How can we claim to love a God we cannot see if we do not love the people we can see?
"And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also." (1 John 4:21, KJV)
The commandment to love our brothers and sisters is not optional; it is a mandate from God Himself. As we love God, we are also commanded to love one another.
