1 John 4:19 is a beautiful verse about the root of our ability to love others – “We love him because he first loved us.” Especially notice the word “Him.” It was added in some older Bible versions, but the most reliable early manuscripts do not include it. This change the meaning significantly.
This verse is not just saying we love Jesus because He first loved us. Rather, it means we are able to love others because God first loved us. This is a profound truth that has changed how I see love.
You see, my capacity to love was based on how lovable the other person was. I showed love to people who were kind, godly, and had it all together. But that’s not how God’s love works!
God poured out His love on us even when we were trapped in sin, unlovable, and His enemies (Romans 5:8). His love is not conditional on us being good enough. He loves simply because He is love (1 John 4:8).
When we fully receive this undeserved, lavish love of God, it should soften our heart and start to change how we view difficult people. We realize our one qualification for God’s love was our desperate need for grace.
This transforms our ability to love others – even unlovable people – through His power. With God’s love flowing through us, we can forgive those who hurt us, serve the needy, and embrace outcasts with compassion.
That this is the meaning is obvious in the verses that follow (1 John 4:20-21). They explain that hating people shows we do not truly love God. Loving the invisible God requires tangibly loving the visible humans created in His image. His love in us overflows.
God would fill us with His unconditional love for others. As recipients of His endless grace, may we extend that same grace and love to a people who are broken.
Lonnie Davis
That was a very beautiful and emotional message. Thank you.
Amen brother Lonnie!
Great thoughts