16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and (A)he who abides in love abides in God, and God (B)in him.

The Consummation of Love

17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that (C)we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 19 (D)We love [a]Him because He first loved us.

Obedience by Faith

20 (E)If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, [b]how can he love God (F)whom he has not seen? 21 And (G)this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.

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Footnotes

  1. 1 John 4:19 NU omits Him
  2. 1 John 4:20 NU he cannot

16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love.(A) Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.(B) 17 This is how love is made complete(C) among us so that we will have confidence(D) on the day of judgment:(E) In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear,(F) because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

19 We love because he first loved us.(G) 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister(H) is a liar.(I) For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen,(J) cannot love God, whom they have not seen.(K) 21 And he has given us this command:(L) Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.(M)

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