When Jesus speaks of love, He speaks in the past, the present, and the future. In the past His Father has loved Him and He has loved us. But now, in the present, we remain in the sphere of His perfect love. And in the future we will continue to be bathed in His love. Never has there been a time—nor will there ever be—when His love has not been perfect.
Jesus tells us this (v. 11) so that we may know complete joy through Him. I’ve seen many a struggling believer who finds memories of the past, troubles of today, and anxieties of the future robbing them of joy. Do not forget that the Lord has chosen you, has loved you with an everlasting love, and has laid down His life for you. And He backs it all up with this undisputable declaration of who He is: “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty’” (Revelation 1:8).
When we obey the Almighty and show love to those around us, we bear fruit that will last, flourishing in our God who has loved us and always will.