We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

When my son Dan was four years old, he tackled me to the ground and gave me a big squeeze as I was folding laundry on the living room floor.
Tickled by this strong display of affection, I questioned him, “Why do you love me so much?”
Without hesitation, he stated confidently,“Because you love me first!”
Touched by this statement, I thought, “How true!”
Dan’s words reminded me of 1 John 4:19.
We love others, and we love God, but we need to recognize that our love for God began with His love for us. God’s love for His people is the source of love that they have for Him and for each other. He invites us to love Him and others as He has loved us. We are able to share God’s love with others because we have experienced it firsthand. When we experience the love of God and love of Christ, we then can love our brothers and sisters with the love God has lavishly shared with us.
God, thank you that you loved us first so that we can love you and others. Amen.