“We love because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19

Those are the words that struck a chord on my heart this past week and all I have been able to do is mull them over. It is incredible how humbling and powerful a sentence or two can be. I love Jesus because he loved me first and I love for no other reason than that.

“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. ” — 1 John 4:9-10

This past week, the house has been filled with numerous sounds creating a tunes to some of my favorite hymns, all reminding me of Christ’s sweet love. (Ha, did you know that I played piano?!) It’s one thing to play a hymn tune and sing along to it, but grasping what the author meant with his words as you play is an experience unlike any other. “All I Have is Christ” is one of my favorites, and the words hold such joyous truth making me realize God’s loving grace all throughout my life.

“I once was lost in darkest night, yet thought I knew the way. The sin that promised joy and life had led me to the grave. I had no hope that You would own a rebel to Your will, and if You had not loved me first I would refuse You still. But as I ran my hell-bound race, indifferent to the cost, You looked upon my helpless state and led me to the cross. And I beheld God’s love displayed! You suffered in my place; You bore the wrath reserved for me; Now all I know is grace.”

I love Jesus because He loved me first, and I love for no other reason than that. Because Jesus loves me, I am able to love Him in return. My love for Him is a result of His unending love for me. I love because He loved me and I only love because He loves.