He Loved Us First

We, though, are going to love—love and be loved. First we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.
1 John 4:19 (MSG)

Dear One: He Loved Us First! The Creator gave us emotions because He formed us in His image and likeness. He is Love, therefore, He made us able to love Him back. These emotions are a precious gift so that we can truly have a deep and intimate relationship with Him. As our loving Father, He desires our unfeigned love.

The enemy comes to pervert our emotions and turn our passions away from God to ungodly pursuits. This is confirmed in 1 John 2:16, NKJV, “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.” Worldly love is always conditional. For example, “I will love you if you do what I want or believe as I do.” It comes as a taskmaster to crush any unconformity or independent thinking. It is always a taker, based on: what can you do for me.

However, the godly love of the Father loves us before we even know about Him. He is always working to drawn us to Himself by His love. Jesus confirms this in John 6:44a, NLT, “For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me.” He loved us first and pursues us because He is love. As believers in Christ, now we love Him and dwell in His love.

Declaration: “Because He loved us first, I now know the true unconditional love of the Father. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for loving the Father so perfectly that you went to the Cross to rescue the human race from sin. As a child of God, I know I am loved and desire to love the Father with the same passion as my King. I rejoice in His love as He delights in my love for Him. Praise the Lord.” I bless you in Jesus’ name.