Matthew Henry Commentary 1 John 4:14-21

"And we have beheld and bear witness that the Father hath sent the Son [to be] the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God abideth in him, and he in God. And we know and have believed the love which God hath in us. God is love; and he that abideth in love abideth in God, and God abideth in him. Herein is love made perfect with us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, even so are we in this world. There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, cannot love God whom he hath not seen. And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God love his brother also." — 1 John 4:14-21 (ASV)

The Father sent the Son; He willed His coming into this world. The apostle attests to this. And whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

This confession includes faith in the heart as its foundation. It involves acknowledgment with the mouth to the glory of God and Christ, and a profession in life and conduct against the flatteries and frowns of the world. There must be a day of universal judgment.

Happy are those who will have holy boldness before the Judge on that day, knowing He is their Friend and Advocate! Happy are those who have holy boldness in the prospect of that day, who look and wait for it, and for the Judge's appearance.

True love for God assures believers of God's love for them. Love teaches us to suffer for Him and with Him; therefore, we may trust that we shall also be glorified with Him (2 Timothy 2:12). We must distinguish between the fear of God and being afraid of Him; the fear of God implies high regard and veneration for God.

Obedience and good works, done from the principle of love, are not like the servile toil of one who unwillingly labours from dread of a master's anger. They are like that of a dutiful child, who does services for a beloved father, which benefit his brothers and sisters, and are done willingly. When our doubts, fears, and apprehensions of God are many, it is a sign that our love is far from perfect.

Let heaven and earth stand amazed at His love. He sent His word to invite sinners to partake of this great salvation. Let them take comfort in the happy change worked in them, while they give Him the glory.

The love of God in Christ, in the hearts of Christians from the Spirit of adoption, is the great proof of conversion. This must be tested by its effects on their temperament and their conduct toward their brothers and sisters.

If a man professes to love God, and yet indulges anger or revenge, or shows a selfish disposition, he makes his profession a lie. But if it is plain that our natural enmity has been changed into affection and gratitude, let us bless the name of our God for this seal and pledge of eternal happiness. Then we differ from false professors, who pretend to love God, whom they have not seen, yet hate their brothers and sisters, whom they have seen.