We love because he first loved us.
1 John 4:19
In the midst of the First Epistle of John, chapter 4, verse 19, we find a concise yet profound statement that encapsulates the core of Christian faith and the essence of God’s love. The verse reads, “We love because He first loved us.” These eleven words carry a message of profound significance, shedding light on the reciprocal nature of love and faith.
To truly understand the meaning of 1 John 4:19, we must delve into its context within the epistle and explore its theological depth:
1. God’s Initiating Love: John’s message in this verse begins with the acknowledgment that love originates with God. It is God who first loved us. This love isn’t merely an emotion; it’s an action, a deliberate choice, and an inherent part of God’s nature. Before we ever considered loving God, His love was already reaching out to us.
2. Love as a Response: The verse underscores the idea that our love for God and for others is not self-generated. It’s a response to God’s love. We are recipients of His love, and when we truly grasp the depth of His love for us, it naturally stirs within us a desire to love Him in return and to extend that love to others.
3. Faith in Action: Love is intrinsically tied to faith. The faith described here is not a passive belief but an active response to God’s love. Our faith in Him is evidenced by our love for Him and for our neighbors. As the apostle James put it, “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). Love is the tangible expression of our faith.
4. A Transformative Cycle: 1 John 4:19 depicts a beautiful cycle of love and faith. God’s love initiates it all, leading to our responsive love, which, in turn, strengthens our faith. As our faith deepens, our love for God and others grows, perpetuating the cycle of grace and love.
5. Practical Application: This verse challenges us to reflect on our own lives. Are we actively responding to God’s love with love for Him and those around us? Do we understand the profound connection between love and faith? 1 John 4:19 invites us to live out our faith by loving others sacrificially, just as God loved us.
In conclusion, 1 John 4:19 is a powerful reminder of the reciprocal nature of love and faith within the Christian journey. It emphasizes God’s initiating love, our responsive love, and the transformative impact of faith in action. Ultimately, it’s an invitation to live a life characterized by love, reflecting the love we have received from the One who first loved us.
