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. —1 John 4:17.
When we live lovingly toward others as Jesus did, we can have the same confidence in the face of death our Savior did. We can place our spirits in the hands of God. We can trust our future to his grace. We don’t have to worry about standing before God in judgment. However, our confidence is not in our personal achievements, religious efforts, or good deeds. Our confidence on the day of judgment is based on the work of our Savior and being joined to him and safeguarded with him in glory (Colossians 2:12-15; 3:1-4). His love has not only redeemed us from sin; it has changed us to trust him and live in his love. His love is not only a gift to us but also given through us. We can be confident because we know that Jesus’ life is present in us until we stand with him in the presence of our Father.