What happensPermalink
Believers must test spiritual claims rather than believe every teacher. The Spirit from God is recognized by confessing that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh; denial reflects the spirit of antichrist. Believers have overcome these false prophets because the One within them is greater than the one in the world. God is love, revealed by sending His Son as the atoning sacrifice for sins. Because God first loved us, we must love one another; such love shows He abides in us. It gives confidence for the day of judgment and casts out fear of punishment.
Why it mattersPermalink
Truth and love belong together. The Spirit leads believers to confess the incarnate Son, while God’s sacrificial love becomes the pattern for theirs. Mature love replaces fear of judgment with confidence before God. Hatred of a visible brother or sister makes claimed love for the unseen God false.
Key versePermalink
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.