“And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has in us. God is love, and the one who resides in love resides in God, and God resides in him. By this love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because just as Jesus is, so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears punishment has not been perfected in love.”
— 1 John 4:16-18
By this: Goes back to v. 16 (Mutually residing in God)
So that: result of love being perfected—we have confidence on day of judgment. Day of judgment is key concept when understanding “punishment and fear” later on.
Perfect love drives out fear. Not really talking about all relationships/friendships, those with harsh pasts or reasons to have trust issues. John in both gospel and letters has grand dichotomy between his opponents/false teachers and the true believer. Number one way to demonstrate abiding in Christ or knowing God’s love: loving others. If someone did not share God’s love, in this 1st cent church, his/her doctrine would line up with heresy. John says they should fear judgment. But those who love display evidence of having received God’s love. No need to fear.
Per NET notes: For John, opposite of perfect love isn’t imperfect love. Opposite of perfect love is hate. He deals in absolutes.
This is serious business and the modern church would do well to take note.
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