"If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is The Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like Him. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love." 1 John 4:15-18 (NIV)
The Apostle John told the believers that they should love one another. He said that God dwells in them and they demonstrate this by showing their love for one another. They were to be God's examples to the world of Christian love, loving everyone and afraid of nothing.
When Christians say "I love you" what they mean is "I love you the way that God intended for us to love each other." The "old folks" used to say, "I love you in The Lord" to make sure that it was understood that nothing inappropriate was intended. As we endeavor to love one another as Christ loves us, our love is made perfect or complete. We cannot attain perfection while we yet live but we can become more Christ-like. We should not be afraid to show our love for Christ or our love for our fellow man. In fact, we should not be afraid of anything. The Bible says "fear not" sixty-three times, twelve of which are recorded in the gospels as the words of Jesus. With The Spirit of God within us and the love of of God being perfected within us, we should not fear any person, thing, or situation. God is omnipotent and He is in control. As long as we walk with Him, everything will turn out for our good. (Romans 8:28)
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