“We love Him, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)
The love of God for us is frequently mentioned in the New Testament. The most well-known verse, John 3:16, declares that God loved us so much that He sent His Son to die in our place to atone for our transgressions. According to Romans 5:8, God demonstrated His love for us by sending His Son to die for our sins. Romans 8:35–39, Ephesians 2:4-5, Ephesians 3:17–19, and 1 John 3:1 are just a few more New Testament verses that describe the great love of God for His children in different ways.
However, you might be surprised to discover that there aren't many references in the New Testament to our love for God. Actually, it makes sense because, as 1 John 4:19 indicates, our love for God is responsive. Because God first adored us, we can only love Him. He starts, and we join in. We do not naturally love and desire God because of our sin nature. God did not wait for us to approach Him because of this. Instead, He created a way for us to approach Him by coming to us through His Son, Jesus. “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Me.” There is no kind of love that is stronger than that.
This is what distinguishes Christianity from other religions. It is not a faith that worships a faceless deity. It is an intimate connection to a true, living God. He desires a close relationship with us and entrance into our personal affairs so that He may gently lead us into the light of His truth. He wants to be more than just the God . . . He wants to be both my God and your God.
Have you directly responded to God's immense love for you? Through His Son, Jesus, He has demonstrated His affection for you. How are you going to react?
Prayer: God, I'm grateful You loved me first. I'm grateful that You searched for me when I was adrift in iniquity. Help me to never assume Your mercy and grace. As I read Your Word, pray, help others, and share my faith, enlarge my love for You day by day. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
