1 John 4:16-21

New International Version

¹⁶ And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

God is love.^(A) Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.^{(B) 17} This is how love is made complete^(C) among us so that we will have confidence^(D) on the day of judgment:^(E) In this world we are like Jesus. ¹⁸ There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear,^(F) because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

¹⁹ We love because he first loved us.^{(G) 20} Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister^(H) is a liar.^(I) For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen,^(J) cannot love God, whom they have not seen.^{(K) 21} And he has given us this command:^(L) Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.^(M)