1 John 4:17 NLT: A Message of Perfect Love
Discovering the Depth of God's Love
In the book of 1 John, chapter 4, verse 17, we find a powerful declaration of God's love for humanity. The verse says, "Love has been perfected among us in this way: we will have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so also are we in this world." (NLT)
The Context of 1 John 4:17
In the preceding verses, John emphasizes the importance of loving one another, demonstrating God's love through our actions towards others. He writes, "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God" (1 John 4:7, NLT). John reminds us that God is love, and whoever lives in love lives in God and God in them (1 John 4:16, NLT).
The Message of Perfect Love
The phrase "love has been perfected among us" in 1 John 4:17 signifies that God's love has reached its full expression in us. This perfection is not about human achievement but about the complete work of God in our lives. As believers, we are being transformed into the likeness of Christ, and this transformation is a demonstration of God's perfect love.
Boldness on the Day of Judgment
The verse goes on to say, "we will have boldness on the day of judgment." This boldness is not because of our own righteousness but because we are in Christ, and He is our righteousness. On the day of judgment, we will stand confidently before God, knowing that we are His beloved children, and He has already justified us through faith in Jesus Christ.
As He Is, So Also Are We
The final phrase, "because as He is, so also are we in this world," emphasizes our union with Christ. We are not only declared righteous but also empowered to live a life that reflects God's character. As we abide in Him, we become more like Him, and His love is perfected in us.
Conclusion
1 John 4:17 NLT is a powerful declaration of God's love for humanity. It reminds us that God's love is not just a feeling but a transformative power that changes us from the inside out. As we rest in His love, we become confident in our identity as beloved children of God, and we are empowered to love others with the same perfect love that God has shown us.
