READ: Matt. 25: 31-46
Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; … There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, … If someone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; … – 1 John 4:17-21
When God’s love in us achieves its purpose through mutual brotherly love, we need not fear judgment. John points to our conformity to Christ in this regard.
In perfect love, where God’s love in us has worked reciprocal love, we have become new people through the working of the Spirit (v.13). Then, we desire to walk as He walked (2:6!), in love (Eph. 5:1,2).
If we remain in God’s love in this way, we will have no fear of the impending judgment. Perfect love casts out fear because in that love, we place our trust in the Lord God and His promises. Love includes faithfulness and trust,and therefore, also confidence. Where there is any remaining fear, it is conquered and eliminated by perfect love.
However, if you are not perfect in love, you do not know God and His love (1 John 4:8), and you may indeed have fear. Fear is associated with punishment.
Once again, John points to the origin of God’s wondrous love (cf. 3:1, 4:11). This love we may discover within ourselves and towards each other comes from God: We love Him because He first loved us. This is a joyful exclamation of acknowledgment and gratitude. It comes from God!
See what His love accomplishes: reciprocal love and confidence! Love and fear do not go together. But love and hate stand opposed!
People who claim to love God but show no love to their brothers are liars (1:6). How can we love God, whom we cannot see, while hating His children, whom we can see? That doesn’t align. Christ will judge this (v.17). Let’s test ourselves on the authenticity of our mutual brotherly love.
Does the absence of fear always indicate faith?
Singing: Ps. 34:8