In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. — 1 John 4:10.
This verse offers a dramatic shift in how we understand love, particularly in our relationship with God. Instead of seeing it as our initiative towards God, it reveals love as originating with God, an active force flowing towards us. It wasn’t our love that prompted this connection; rather, God’s love came first, demonstrated most profoundly in sending his Son, Jesus, as the means to reconcile us to himself through the “atoning sacrifice” for our sins.
We can perhaps catch a faint echo of this kind of love in the deep affection a parent feels for a child. The simple joy of a baby’s first smile, the pride in their accomplishments both big and small, the quiet empathy when their hearts ache – these moments offer a glimpse into a selfless, caring love.
However, there’s a significant difference between human love and God’s. Our love, while genuine, can sometimes be influenced by expectations or disappointments. We might, consciously or unconsciously, place conditions on our affection.
In contrast, the love described in today’s scripture is unconditional. It is there even when we were not actively loving God, when we are separated by sin. This love isn’t dependent on our good behavior or achievements; it is a consistent and unwavering commitment rooted in God’s very nature. While our actions can certainly impact our relationship and our experience of this love, the underlying affection remains.
Reflecting on this unconditional love invites us to consider our own tendencies to place conditions on love, especially in our closest relationships. Striving to offer a more unconditional acceptance to those around us can be a meaningful way to foster environments of great care.
Ultimately, 1 John 4:10 highlights a fundamental truth about love itself. It emphasizes not our efforts to love God, but the profound, initiating, and self-giving love that God has shown to us. Understanding this can reshape how we view our relationship with God and how we extend love to others, serving as a helpful reminder of its depth and, crucially, its unconditional nature.
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