source of confidence

1 John 4:16-18

How often do we think of God wanting us to know his love so that we will be confident? We want our family members to be confident of our love; we want to be confident of the love of others. We think of building up ability, experience, and self-esteem as sources of confidence, but love? God’s love?

There is a specific context for this confidence: “so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment,” and then, “because in this world we are like him.” Like him in what? In his love. This is possible because we can “know and rely on the love God has for us” (verse 16). It’s because of God’s prior will for us and action toward us.

“There is no fear in love” (verse 18). What a beautiful sentence! And then there is the explanation that fear has to do with punishment. God’s perfect love means he has provided for any punishment we have coming to us by pouring it all on his own Son. The one who judges has died for us, and even intercedes for us (Romans 8:34).

Prayer:
Thank you that I can be confident of your love, Lord, not because of anything about me, but because you are love. Let this confidence translate into faithful living. In Christ. Amen.