A thought for today
We love because he first loved us. This verse reminds you that love starts with God, not with your effort. You can give love to others out of what you have already received.
About 1 John 4:19
The story behind it
The first letter of John is traditionally attributed to the apostle John, though the writer does not give his name. It was written to Christian communities, likely in Asia Minor, around the end of the first century. Chapter 4 is a sustained teaching on love, and verse 19 sits in the middle of it.
What it means
Verses 9 and 10 say God showed his love by sending his Son, and that love began with him, not us. Verse 19 draws the result: we love because he loved us first. Verse 20 applies it, saying love for God shows in love for others. Some translations leave out the word him, widening the sentence to love in general.
Why this verse: Love
Love fits because the verse takes pressure off. You do not have to create love from nothing. It is a good verse when patience runs short, since you can draw on love already given to you.
Keep reading
Read it in other translations
American Standard Version (ASV)
We love, because he first loved us.
Berean Standard Bible (BSB)
We love because He first loved us.
