The concept of love to God being perfected and its resultant boldness is a profound theme in Christian theology, deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament. This perfected love is not merely an emotional affection but a mature, complete devotion that transforms the believer's relationship with God and others.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for understanding perfected love and its connection to boldness is found in 1 John 4:17-18. The Berean Standard Bible states: "In this way, love has been perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment; for in this world we are just like Him. 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 passage highlights that perfected love is characterized by confidence, particularly in the context of judgment. The absence of fear is a significant indicator of this mature love, as fear is associated with punishment and insecurity. The believer who has been perfected in love experiences a profound assurance in their standing before God.

The Nature of Perfected Love

Perfected love is a process of spiritual maturation. It involves growing in understanding and embodying the love of God as demonstrated through Jesus Christ. This love is selfless, sacrificial, and seeks the well-being of others. It is rooted in the greatest commandments as articulated by Jesus: to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:37-39).

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the nature of love in 1 Corinthians 13, describing it as patient, kind, and devoid of envy or pride. This love rejoices in truth and bears all things. Such characteristics are indicative of a love that has been perfected, reflecting the very nature of God, who is love (1 John 4:8).

Boldness Through Perfected Love

The boldness that arises from perfected love is not a brash or arrogant confidence but a serene assurance rooted in the believer's relationship with God. This boldness manifests in several ways:

1. Confidence in Prayer: Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Perfected love assures the believer of God's willingness to hear and respond to their prayers.

2. Courage in Witness: Acts 4:13 describes the boldness of Peter and John as they testified about Jesus, despite opposition. This courage is fueled by their deep love for Christ and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

3. Assurance in Salvation: Romans 8:38-39 declares that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. This assurance is a hallmark of perfected love, providing the believer with unwavering confidence in their eternal security.

4. Fearlessness in Judgment: As noted in 1 John 4:17, perfected love gives believers confidence on the day of judgment. This fearlessness is not based on personal merit but on the completed work of Christ and the believer's union with Him.

Practical Implications

The pursuit of perfected love is a lifelong journey for the believer. It involves continual growth in faith, obedience, and intimacy with God. As love is perfected, the believer experiences increasing freedom from fear and a growing boldness in their Christian walk. This transformation impacts every aspect of life, from personal relationships to public witness, as the believer reflects the love and character of Christ to the world.1 John 4:17,18
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Christ the Son of Man.
... had built mansions in the skies for them that love Him, were ... a sense of sin, we can
come to God through the ... that His sympathy for us has been perfected by the ...
/.../v christ the son of man.htm

Daily Fellowship with God
... His heart glad by telling Him that you do love Him. ... as thy heart is open to receive."
The God who revealed Jesus in the flesh and perfected Him, will ...
/.../murray/the deeper christian life/i daily fellowship with god.htm

Twenty-Ninth Day. Holiness and Chastisement.
... it is in the power which Christ gives in fellowship ... in it makes Himself, who was
perfected through suffering ... into unity with God's Will, God's Son, God's Love. ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/twenty-ninth day holiness and chastisement.htm

Love's Logic
... God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us ... love relieves us of a burden;
love gives and love ... If thou wouldst love God, do not look within thee to see ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/loves logic.htm

The Rent Veil
... Read the fourteenth verse: "He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified."
We rely upon the sacrifice of ... We have now such a love for God, and such a ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/the rent veil.htm

1 John iv. 16-Dec
... faith: but our wholeness shall be perfected "when this ... The intermediate presentation
of Love, as the grand ... intelligent being is in conscious dependence on God. ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily viii 1 john iv.htm

Continuation: with Texts from Scripture.
... whoso keepeth His word, in him verily is the love of God perfected. ... We, the people
of His love,. ... O chaste people, let us sing together [1792] the God of peace. ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter xii continuation with texts from.htm

The Glorious Habitation
... another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us ... We know we dwell in
God if we love one another. ... in the Saviour is another sign that we live in God. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the glorious habitation.htm

Fruits and the Two Works.
... believe are justified from all offering he hath perfected forever things ... man whose
heart is so filled with heavenly love and reverence to God as to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter vi fruits and the.htm

On Pentecost.
... pray the Spirit to give you this word God. ... lasts all night [4245] and your love of
the poor ... but not partaking; perfecting, not being perfected; sanctifying, not ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xli on pentecost.htm

What does the Bible say about love? | GotQuestions.org

What are the five love languages? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that the greatest of these is love? | GotQuestions.org

Love: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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