What Does 1 John 4:18-21 Say About Love?

Aug 01,2025 00:00

What Does 1 John 4:18-21 Say About Love?

Understanding the Passage

1 John 4:18-21 emphasizes the profound nature of perfect love and its connection to fear, obedience, and God's presence in believers' lives. This passage highlights how love eradicates fear and calls for sincere love toward one another.

Love Casts Out Fear

Verse 18 states, "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear." This means that when love is complete and genuine, it removes the anxiety or dread related to judgment. Fear is linked to punishment, but perfect love assures us of God's acceptance.

Love as a Commandment

Verses 19-21 reveal that love is both a response and a command. Believers love because God first loved them, and loving others is essential to living in God. The passage stresses:

     
  • Those who claim to love God must love their brothers and sisters.
  •  
  • Hating others contradicts the command to love God and is therefore impossible for true believers.

Key Takeaways

     
  • Perfect love removes fear and judgment.
  •  
  • Love originates from God’s love for us.
  •  
  • Obedience to God includes loving others sincerely.
  •  
  • True faith is demonstrated through love for fellow believers.

In summary, 1 John 4:18-21 teaches that love is central to the Christian faith. It assures believers of God’s acceptance, commands them to love others, and shows that love and fear cannot coexist.

Related Topics
Related Articles