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Beloved, as we embark on this journey through the heart of Scripture, we turn our attention to an immutable truth found in 1 John 4:17-19:
*"This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because He first loved us."*
In this profound passage, the Apostle John speaks directly to the reality of God's love and its transformative power in our lives. The central theme of the song based on this scripture is the perfect love that eradicates fear, designed to bring us into a deeper union with Christ as we live out His love in this world.
The epistle of 1 John emerges from a context of early Christian struggle. Written by the Apostle John, likely from Ephesus, his letters were directed to early believers navigating challenges from false teachings and the lure of sin. John's purpose was to reaffirm the truth and certainty of the love of God manifest through His Son, Jesus Christ.
At that time, heretical teachings, particularly Gnosticism, sought to distort the nature of Christ and the significance of His earthly work. Many believers were left doubting their salvation and relationship with God. Therefore, John writes to provide assurance and to dispel the fears that were prevalent due to these doctrinal oppositions. His emphasis is on the love of God, not just as a concept but as a lived experience producing confidence and eradicating fear.
The Greek language, with its richness and depth, offers profound insights when we study this text.
1. Love (Agape - ἀγάπη): This is not mere human affection or sentimentality. Agape is the divine love, sacrificial and self-giving, characterized by an unconditional commitment to the well-being of others. In this context, it is the nature of God's love perfectly manifested in Christ, a love that transforms and secures us.
2. Perfect (Teleios - τέλειος): This word implies completeness, maturity, or fullness. It's not about being flawless in the worldly sense but being brought to an intended end of spiritual maturity. Thus, "perfect love" implies a love that has been brought to its fullest expression as it shapes and transforms the believer into the likeness of Christ.
This deepens our understanding that the love described herein is a divine force that matures us into the likeness of Christ, casting out fear and making us whole.
### Stanza 1: Completion of Love and Confidence
"This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus."
John presents an assurance that stems from love perfected in us. We are called to be as Jesus was – living a life in total alignment with God's will. The saints have confidence at the day of judgment not in their own righteousness, but because God's love has achieved its full work in them. As seen in Romans 8:1, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," confirming our status in Christ beyond fear.
### Stanza 2: The Expulsion of Fear
"There is no fear in love. Perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment."
Fear is indicative of incomplete love in us. The presence of fear signifies an unresolved sense of guilt or unworthiness before God. However, as Hebrews 10:22 declares, "let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings," we understand that perfect love assures us of our position in Christ, eliminating the fear of judgment and punishment.
### Stanza 3: The Origin of Our Love
"We love because He first loved us."
This is an incontrovertible truth – our capacity to love is rooted in the divine initiative of God’s love. According to Romans 5:8, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us, illustrating that His love predicates our ability to love, casting out the fear that would otherwise incapacitate us.
### Stanza 4: Our Representation in the World
"As He is, so are we in this world—love made perfect, no fear remains."
This statement affirms the transformative work of Christ in us. Our resemblance to Christ in this world is predicated on love made complete. Thus, as we abide in Him, fear is replaced with the boldness and confidence of a child secure in the Father's love, as 2 Timothy 1:7 proclaims, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind."
1. First, we must receive and meditate on the truth of God's love daily. Engage with scriptures on God's love and allow them to renew our minds, such as Romans 5:5 and Ephesians 3:17-19.
2. Second, we must choose to trust in God's love over feelings of fear and condemnation. When fear arises, declare aloud the truth of 1 John 4:18 and Romans 8:15. We have not received a spirit of bondage leading to fear again.
3. Third, we must actively demonstrate God's love to others. As Christ’s representatives on earth, love must be articulated in actions and words, as instructed in John 13:34, "Love each other as I have loved you."
4. Fourth, we must pray for the Holy Spirit to perfect God’s love in our hearts. Ask the Spirit to reveal any areas where fear lingers and to bring healing and freedom, as He aligns our hearts with the truth of His word.
Proclamation:
Because God's love is perfected in me, I will not fear, for His perfect love casts out all fear. As He is, so I am in this world. I rest in the assurance of His love, confident on the day of judgment, knowing that in Christ, I am secure.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your perfect love that casts out fear. I choose to live in the confidence and freedom of Your love today. Holy Spirit, perfect in me the work of Your love. Align my heart with Yours, that I may walk boldly, reflecting Jesus to the world. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.
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