1 John 4:18-21 KJV: The Power of Love and Faith
Fear and Love: A Divine Connection
In the book of 1 John, chapter 4, verses 18-21, we find a profound reflection on the relationship between fear and love. The apostle John, in his epistle, sheds light on the transformative power of love and faith, which can dispel fear and anxiety from our lives.
Fear and Torment
"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, according to John, is a tormenting experience. It creates anxiety and uncertainty, which can lead to spiritual stagnation. However, love, in its perfect form, can eradicate fear, bringing a sense of peace and security to our lives.
The Source of Love
"We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19 KJV)
John emphasizes that our love for God originates from His love for us. This divine love is the foundation of our faith and the source of our ability to love others. Recognizing God's prior love for us fosters a deeper understanding of His character and encourages us to respond with love and gratitude.
Perfecting Love through Obedience
"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)
The apostle John highlights the importance of demonstrating love towards our brothers and sisters in Christ. Obedience to God's commandments, particularly the command to love one another, is a crucial aspect of perfecting our love for God. Our love for God is authenticated by our love for those around us.
Confidence in God's Love
"And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also." (1 John 4:21 KJV)
John concludes by emphasizing that the command to love is rooted in God's love for us. Our confidence in God's love is the foundation of our ability to love others, which in turn, brings joy and peace to our lives.
Conclusion
In 1 John 4:18-21, we are reminded that perfect love casts out fear, and that our love for God is demonstrated through our love for others. As we walk in obedience to God's commandments, we can experience the transformative power of love, which overcomes fear and anxiety. May we continue to bask in God's love, and may our lives be a reflection of His love to the world around us.
