“We love him, because he first loved us”. ( 1 John 4:19)
An old song says, “so many reasons why I love the Lord. So many reasons I can’t count them”. While there is a sense in which you can say that is true, the truth is there is but one reason why we love the Lord–” because he first loved us”. While the believers blessings are more than can be numbered the basis of our love is His love. He is the source of all love “for God is love” (1 John 4:8).
Of His love for us there can be no doubt. He has proven His love for us by giving His Son for us ( 1 John 4:9-10 ; Rom. 5:8). In Rom. 2:4 we are told that “the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance“. That goodness springs out of His love, and our love of God flows out of His love for us. We reciprocate the love God reveals toward us. While the law demands love it cannot produce love. It is only God’s love for us that can create our love for Him. Our love is the response of a repentant heart to the revealed love of God for us.
His love is the source, the force, the creative power of our love. Thus He alone deserves the praise for us loving Him. None of the credit goes to man. As Paul said, “by the grace of God I am what I am” ( 1 Cor. 15:10). There would be no mutual love were it not for the miracle of grace. His love gives birth to ours and brings blessings so numerous that ” I can’t count them”. — HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
