Perfected Love

The concept of perfected love is deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament, particularly in the writings of the Apostle John. Perfected love refers to the mature, complete, and fully developed love that believers are called to exhibit, reflecting the love of God in their lives. This love is not merely an emotion but a transformative force that shapes the believer's relationship with God and others.

1 John 4:18 in the Berean Standard Bible states, "There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love." This verse highlights the transformative power of perfected love, which dispels fear and brings assurance of God's presence and favor. The absence of fear in the presence of perfected love indicates a deep trust and confidence in God's promises and character.

Perfected love is also characterized by obedience to God's commandments and a selfless love for others. In 1 John 2:5, it is written, "But if anyone keeps His word, the love of God has been truly perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him." This passage emphasizes that obedience to God's word is a sign of love being perfected in the believer, demonstrating a life aligned with God's will.

The ultimate example of perfected love is found in Jesus Christ, whose sacrificial love on the cross exemplifies the highest form of love. Believers are called to emulate this love, as seen in John 15:12-13: "This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

Confidence

Confidence, in the biblical sense, is the assurance and boldness that believers possess as a result of their faith in God and His promises. This confidence is not based on human ability or circumstances but is rooted in the character and faithfulness of God.

Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to approach God with confidence: "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This verse underscores the privilege believers have to come before God boldly, assured of His willingness to provide mercy and grace.

The Apostle John also speaks of confidence in the context of prayer and obedience. In 1 John 3:21-22, it is written, "Beloved, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God, and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight." Here, confidence is linked to a clear conscience and a life of obedience, which fosters a boldness in approaching God with requests.

Confidence is further illustrated in the believer's hope of eternal life and the assurance of salvation. In 1 John 5:13-14, John writes, "I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life. And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us." This passage reassures believers of their eternal security and the confidence they can have in God's attentive response to their prayers.

In summary, perfected love and confidence are intertwined aspects of the Christian faith, each reinforcing the other. Perfected love casts out fear and fosters a deep trust in God, while confidence in God’s promises and character empowers believers to live boldly and approach Him with assurance.