Changed by His Love
1 John 4:17: 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.
This verse might be rendered, literally, “In this respect love is made complete with us, namely, that we should have boldness in the day of judgment.” The writer was not referring here to a final judgment in which the eternal destiny of each believer hangs in balance. There is no such judgment for a believer (John 5:24). But a believer’s life will be assessed at the judgment seat of Christ.
Yet even on that solemn occasion, a believer may have confidence that God will approve the quality of his life if, through love, that believer while in this world becomes like Him. An unloving Christian is unlike his Lord and may anticipate rebuke and loss of reward at the judgment seat. But a loving believer is one in whom the work of God’s love has been made complete, and the fruit of that is boldness before the One who will judge him. In this way he achieves the goal of confidence and no shame before Him. 1
Loving Him
We need to experience a confidence that comes from God. It is very dangerous to pursue self-confidence, because by its very definition, it is a confidence that depends entirely upon you. But a confidence in God allows us to experience His power, to do His will, for His glory. That is the fruit of an abiding relationship with Jesus Christ.
And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 1 John 2:28
Loving Others
When we are humble before Christ, we will become bold for Christ.
Make Me Like You
Lord, thank You for the confidence You deposit in the hearts of your abiding children.
1. Walvoord, J. F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary.
