1 John 4:19

1 John 4:19 (NKJV): “We love Him because He first loved us.”

This verse is a profound statement about the nature of love and the relationship between God and humanity. It suggests that our ability to love is a response to God’s love for us [1] [2].

Theological Insights:

God’s Initiative: The verse underscores the initiative of God’s love. It is God who first loved us, even before we were capable of loving Him [1]. This aligns with the Reformed Evangelical understanding of God’s grace as the initiating force in the salvation of humanity.

Transformative Love: The love of God is transformative. It changes us from being self-centred to being able to love [1]. This love is not limited to God alone but extends to our fellow human beings [1].

Love as Evidence of Faith: In the Reformed Evangelical tradition, love for God and others is seen as evidence of genuine faith [6]. Our ability to love is a reflection of God’s love working in us [7].

Application to Modern Christian Living:

Response to God’s Love: Understanding that God loved us first should lead us to respond in love towards Him and others [12]. Our love is not self-generated but is a response to the love we have received from God [12].

Love in Action: Love should not be merely a feeling but should be demonstrated in action. This includes loving those in our Christian community and beyond [13].

Assurance of Salvation: The presence of love in our lives can serve as an assurance of our salvation [13]. If we love, it is evidence that we have been touched by God’s love and are part of His family [13].

Bibliography: