1 John 4:17-19 (NKJV) Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us.
V17 “ Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world.” The Greek word for “perfected” is (G5048) τελειόω teleióō, which means perfect in the sense of the goal has been fulfilled, thus complete and perfect. The goal of love is for us to love others as the Lord Jesus did. He did not mince words. He told the truth. Many hated Him for speaking the truth, but Jesus’s motive was love, so they would repent and believe the Gospel. Our goal is to stand approved on judgment day (the Bema Seat judgment for rewards–Romans 14:10-12, 1 Corinthians 3:10–4:5, and 2 Corinthians 5:1-10. The boldness is this–when we stand before the Lord Jesus and hear, “His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’” (Matthew 25:23). God can help us.
We need God’s help to live a Christian life. He is willing to give us this help whether it be wisdom (James 1:5-8), strength in persecution and afflictions (2 Timothy 4:17), strength to resist temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13), comfort in sorrow (Psalm 23:4), ability to do what He has commanded (1 Corinthians 15:10), help in discouragement (1 Peter 1:13), and help to live the Christian life (2 Corinthians 1:12).
V18 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.” If we are loved, there is no fear when we are with someone. I’m not afraid of my wife, because she loves me. The word “perfect” is from the same Greek word as in V17 but an adjective. The Greek word “fear” is (G5401) φόβος phóbos, which means being afraid. We don’t fear the punishment of God’s wrath. We have the godly fear of displeasing the one who loves us so much. With godly fear, which God is pleased with, we can stand and give an account of ourselves to THE judge–Jesus Christ.
V19 “We love Him because He first loved us.” God initiates, and we respond.
We learn:
• Godly love
• Christian love
• Godly fear