“We love him, because he first loved us.”
- 1 John 4:19

Introduction

Congratulations on taking a moment to dive into God’s Word today with 1 John 4:19. This verse reminds us of the foundational truth of God’s incredible love for us, which transforms and empowers us to love others. As we explore this scripture, may your heart be encouraged and opened to the depth of God’s love.

1. Read

1 John 4:19 (KJV):

"We love him, because he first loved us."

Contextual Overview

The book of 1 John, written by the Apostle John, has a central theme of God’s love and how believers are called to live in that love. Chapter 4 discusses the nature of God as love and the manifestation of that love through Jesus Christ. The early Christians faced challenges in understanding their faith, and John’s letter provided them with clarity and encouragement. This verse encapsulates the essence of our relationship with God: our ability to love is rooted in His prior, perfect love for us.

2. Examine Key Message

1 John 4:19 highlights the initiating love of God. Our capacity to love God and others stems from His preemptive and unconditional love. This verse is a profound reminder that our relationship with God starts not because we first loved Him, but because He first loved us.

Connection to Jesus

Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s love. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus demonstrated God’s unconditional love for humanity. By embracing this love, we are invited to follow His example in loving God and others sacrificially.

Main Themes

• Divine Love: God’s love is the source of all love, and it is both personal and transformative.

• Relationship with God: Our love for God is a response to His initiative.

• Love for Others: The love we receive is meant to overflow into our relationships with others.

Key Word Study

• "Love" (Greek: agapē): This word signifies selfless, sacrificial love. Unlike other forms of love, agapē is not based on emotions or feelings but on commitment and action. God’s agapē love for us is unconditional and eternal.

3. Apply Reflective Questions

• How does recognizing God's love as the starting point of my capacity to love change the way I see my relationship with Him?

• In what ways can I better reflect God’s love in my interactions with others today?

• What barriers might be preventing me from fully embracing and sharing God’s love?

Real-Life Application:

Start by reflecting on how God's love has impacted your life. Write a thank-you note to God expressing gratitude for specific ways His love has transformed you. As you go about your day, make an intentional effort to show love to others in simple ways, such as offering a helping hand or a word of encouragement. Imagine a mother forgiving her child after a mistake because she remembers the times she was forgiven and loved by God, regardless of her own failings.

4. Pray

Heavenly Father, I praise You for Your unfailing love, which fills my heart and transforms my life. I confess that there are times I've neglected to fully embrace or share this love with others. Strengthen me to live out Your agapē love, inspired by Jesus, and to spread it within my community. Lord, grant me the courage to love boldly and unconditionally, as You have loved me. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

5. Closing Reflection

“Imagine your heart as a cup that God fills with His love, overflowing into the lives of those around you. As you journey through each day, may you carry this love with you, filling others with warmth and light, changing the world one act of kindness at a time.”

Call to Action

Today, commit to sharing a specific act of love inspired by God’s love for you. Let this be a step toward deepening your relationship with Him and practicing the love of Christ in your everyday interactions.

Our ability to love comes from God's love for us! ❤ This divine love empowers and inspires us to care for others, challenging us to let His love be the guiding force in our lives. Embrace this love today and let it lead you in acts of kindness and compassion.

"We love him, because he first loved us."
- 1 John 4:19 (KJV)

#WeeklyVerse #1John #DivineLove #LoveFirst #KindnessChallenge #ChristianLiving #GodsLove

External resources for deeper study

• Article - "What does 1 John 4:19 really mean?": https://godsbless.ing/commentary/1-john/1_john_4_19/?utm_source=weeklybibleversewithfrank.com

• Article - "Getting Along with People": https://www.awmi.net/reading/teaching-articles/getting_along/?utm_source=weeklybibleversewithfrank.com

• Watch - "God's Kind of Love":

• Article - "Look Who Jesus Loves": https://www.awmi.net/reading/teaching-articles/jesus_loves/?utm_source=weeklybibleversewithfrank.com

• Article - "God’s Treasure Chest: Biblical Tips to Access His Abundance": https://harrisonhouse.com/blog/billy-becky-epperhart-gods-treasure-chest-biblical-tips-to-access-his-abundance?utm_source=weeklybibleversewithfrank.com

• Article - "How Your Faith Attracts God’s Favor": https://harrisonhouse.com/blog/billy-becky-epperhart-how-your-faith-attracts-favor?utm_source=weeklybibleversewithfrank.com

• Watch - "Running the Race of Your Current Season":

• Bible Study Tools: https://www.biblestudytools.com/kjv/1-john/4-19.html?utm_source=weeklybibleversewithfrank.com

• Strong Concordance, Bible Hub; https://biblehub.com/interlinear/1_john/4-19.htm?utm_source=weeklybibleversewithfrank.com

  "Seek First The Kingdom": a Study by Duane Sheriff

  "Four Ways to Imitate God"

  God Wants You Well

Resource to help you get started with Scripture

With todays power of AI, studying scripture is incredible much easier to do. While some Christians are skeptical to AI, which we should be, God have many times turned the enemy tools to useful tools for the light. Christians can today use AI to much quicker and effeciently study scripture to get closer to our Father by getting more knowledge and revelation about His Word.

This blog post was made with the help of Bible Launch - a membership site stuffed with great tools for getting closer to our Father and apply biblical principles to our business and life. Here is a screenshot from inside the membership, and as you can see; there are plenty of tools to help you study the Bible.