1 John 4:17-21 (2 of 3)
“By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother.” -1 John 4:17-21
Book Chapter Verse
1 John 4:17-21 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 both emphasize the centrality of love in the Christian life. In 1 John, love is portrayed as the foundation of our confidence before God, with perfect love casting out fear. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 13 highlights the selfless, enduring qualities of love—patience, kindness, humility, and truth. Both passages teach that love is not just an emotion but an active choice that reflects God’s character. While 1 John focuses on love’s ability to eliminate fear and unite believers, 1 Corinthians 13 describes love’s practical outworking in relationships. Together, they show love’s transformative power in believers’ lives.
What does it mean that love is perfected with us?
It means that as we grow in God's love, our love becomes complete and mature, allowing us to confidently face judgment.
How does perfect love cast out fear?
Perfect love eliminates fear because it reassures us that God’s love is greater than any fear of punishment.
What is the connection between fear and punishment in this passage?
Fear is linked to the fear of punishment, while perfect love removes that fear by assuring us of God’s acceptance.
Why do we love God?
We love God because He first loved us, initiating the relationship of love.
What does it mean to love our brother?
To love our brother means to love others unconditionally, as God has loved us, demonstrating this love in both word and deed.
What is the consequence of saying we love God but not loving our brother?
If we claim to love God but hate our brother, we are liars, as true love for God is demonstrated by loving others.
What commandment is given in this passage?
The commandment is that anyone who loves God must also love their brother, showing love as the mark of a true believer.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect love that casts out fear. Help us to walk in the confidence of Your love, knowing that we are loved and accepted by You. Teach us to love others with the same selfless love that You have shown us. May our hearts be transformed so that we love not only in words but also in actions. We pray that Your love will abound in us, guiding our relationships and actions. In Jesus' name, Amen.
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Here is a mnemonic tool to help study and remember 1 John 4:17-21. The key themes from this passage can be organized into a memorable structure using the acronym “L-O-V-E F-E-A-R”, based on the main elements of the passage:
L – Love is perfected: “By this is love perfected with us...”
O – Overcome fear: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear...”
V – Vain to claim love without action: “If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar...”
E – Enduring love of God: “We love because He first loved us.”
F – Fear relates to punishment: “For fear has to do with punishment...”
E – Eternal love relationship: “As He is, so also are we in this world.”
A – Abiding love commands us: “This commandment we have from Him...”
R – Relationship proof of love: “Whoever loves God must also love his brother.”
This mnemonic “LOVE FEAR” helps recall the central themes of the passage: perfect love, overcoming fear, genuine love through action, and the command to love others as evidence of our love for God.
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