He Loved Us First
"We love because he first loved us" (1 John 4:19 NIV). This profound verse reminds us of the beautiful truth that our ability to love is a direct response to the overwhelming love that God has bestowed upon us. As human beings, we struggle to fully comprehend the magnitude of divine love, but our comfort stems from knowing that our capacity to love comes from a source far greater than ourselves. Before we even recognized Him, God loved us unconditionally, pouring out His boundless mercy and grace upon our lives. This understanding empowers us to love selflessly, without expecting anything in return. It compels us to extend love to others, understanding that the love we are able to give comes from the One who loves us without restrictions. Ultimately, the love we share with others is a reflection of the deep and unconditional love that we have experienced from our Heavenly Father.
I remember holding each of my children in my arms for the first time. The love that filled my heart poured out into everything I wanted or did for them. I loved them before they learned to love me. Likewise, God does not love us because we love Him. He chose to love us before we knew Him! Our redemption was born from that unrequited love, without fear of rejection. We learned to love Him by the example He gave us through Jesus. That is the same love that we should have for one another. Yet we, beloved, His blood bought children, withhold our love from one another. Why should loving each other not follow the same rules? Reach across the aisles to your brothers and sisters and show them the love you'd love to receive in return. It is that perfect love that tears down barriers of fear! Let the Holy Spirit free you of your own fears and show you how to truly love.
