Confidence On the Day of Judgment

1 John 4:16-17  "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."

        Lord, "confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like Him", is a very precious promise!  I have had to go before a judge only once in my life, and that was for a traffic ticket.  I remember being terrified.  First, because I had never been in a court before, and second because I was guilty and had no idea how severe the penalty would be.   But here, You tell me that I can rely on Your love for me, and Your love is made complete in me so I will have confidence on the day of judgment.
         I MUST show love and grace to all others because Your love and grace is so great for me.  Lord, I must confess it is hard sometimes because the one I am to love might not be loving or lovable, but it is commanded none the less.  I cannot accomplish it in my flesh, but must rely on the Spirit to enable me.  I also must be completely void of pride and ego, and remember to see myself as what I am...a sinner.  I fail to hit Your mark daily.  How can I hold myself above those around me?  I cannot!  I can minister to others only by Your power.  Without You, I can do nothing.
       Precious Lord, I need you every minute of every day to live the life of love You ask of me.  Thank You for making Yourself...the king of all creation, ruler over all that is, impeccable, holy, and righteous God, available to one such as I.  It is a blessed mystery.  I will never understand it, but love You for it!