The First Epistle General of John
Chapter 4:17-21
Geneva Bible Translation Ed. 1599
17 Herein is that love perfect in us, that we should have boldness in the day of judgment: for as he is, even so are we in this world.
18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear: for fear hath painfulness: and he that feareth, is not perfect in love. (a)
19 We love him, because he loved us first.
20 If any man say, I love God, and hate his brother, he is a liar: for how can he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, love God whom he hath not seen?
21 And this commandment have we of him, that he that loveth God, should love his brother also. (b)
(a) 1 Corinthians 13:13
(b) John 13:24, 15:12
Though not like Christ in the completeness of our obedience, we are like Him in our basic orientation, and stand out as He did by contrast with the world at large. God’s love is perfect in itself, and it brings to us the sure promise of perfection as soon as we receive it. But because we are being made perfect in His love over time the remnants of fear may temporarily coexist with love. “Perfected love” from God “casts out fear” progressively rather than instantaneously.
Source - Reformation Study Bible
As God has communicated his image in nature and in grace, so he would have our love to be suitably diffused. We must love God originally and supremely, and others in him, on the account of their derivation and reception from him, and of his interest in them. Now, our Christian brethren having a new nature and excellent privileges derived from God, and God having his interest in them as well as in us, it cannot but be a natural suitable obligation that he who loves God should love his brother also. The divine love stamped love upon our souls; may the Lord still and further direct our hearts into the love of God. - Source The Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
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