2 February 2021 – 1 John 4:19 (NIV)
Scripture
We love because he first loved us.
Reflection
I remember the moment when my first daughter, Blessing, was born. As I held her in my arms my heart was overwhelmed with love for this child of mine. I had never loved anyone like THIS or as much as this before. I loved her with all my heart and it was as if I had always loved her even though she was born just minutes ago. In this moment I realized that I had tasted a bit of eternity.
It’s easy to look at this passage and simply take away a model of love; that we know what love is because God first showed it to us. But scratching just a bit under the surface we begin to see how amazing and beautiful this truly is! “Because He FIRST loved us.” One can take this as not only a precursor of our love, but rather of all love, from the depths of eternity before the creation of time and creation itself, there was His love for us. In Jeremiah 1:5, God says, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you…” which only further reveals the depth of His love towards us. Love is a defining character trait of God. It is unique in that like the Father Himself it transcends both space and time. Being made in His image we are able to see, feel and express a bit of this eternity even now. It is possible because before the foundation of the world He loved us and decided to make us in His image.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage
- How will you respond/apply God’s Word today?
- Whom will you share with today’s passage or takeaway?
Prayer
Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you. Try asking, “What would it look like for Your kingdom to come to my building” and listen to what God might be saying.