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Verse
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1 John 4:17
ESV By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as he is so also are we in this world.
NIV This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus.
NASB By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, we also are in this world.
CSB In this, love is made complete with us so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment, because as he is, so also are we in this world.
NLT And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.
KJV Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

What does 1 John 4:17 mean?

Verses 17–19 offer insight regarding the source and impact of love. First, a growing love for God leads to confident anticipation of the future day of judgment. Believers who grow and mature in their faith need not fear how God will evaluate them in the future. They have been forgiven by God and are obeying His commands.

The second phrase is more difficult to understand: "because as he is so also are we in this world." The "he" in this case refers to Jesus. Just as Jesus is in this world, so the believer is. What does this mean? By loving others we become like Jesus. We need not fear (1 John 4:18), but enjoy God's love and live it out in serving others, just like Jesus did. Jesus lived among those He served, taught them, prayed for them, served them, and ultimately gave His life for others, leaving a powerful example for our own lives.
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