We love, because He first loved us.

- 1 John 4:19

Before you ever looked Jesus’s way or were interested in Him, He was interested in you.

Maybe you have believed in Him your whole life, but have gone through dry seasons of doubt.

Or, maybe, you recently accepted Jesus into your heart and are new in your Christian walk.

Either way, He has always loved you!

Today, try to ponder on the magnitude of His everlasting love for you. The more you spend ample time in His presence listening and waiting, you will be inevitably transformed into the mighty son or daughter of God He created you to be!

This may come hard at first, because our flesh will try and resist. But the more you pursue that precious time with Him, the more you begin to delight in Him and are able to step into His presence effortlessly.

You will be so consumed with the extravagance of His goodness that loving others will come naturally, because you will be loving them with His love.

Remember, you love because He loved you first!

With Love,
Sarah Sherstad

As you reflect on 1 John 4:19, use your Personalized Scripture Journal to respond personally to God’s love.

This verse reminds us that relationship with God does not begin with our effort — it begins with His love.

Write through these prompts:

·       Do I truly believe God loved me first?

·       Where do I try to earn His approval?

·       How has His love shaped my identity?

·       Is my love for others flowing from His love for me?

·       What would change if I rested fully in being loved?

After reflecting, write a direct prayer:

Thank Him for loving you before you understood Him.
Tell Him where you struggle to receive that love.
Ask Him to help you love others from security, not striving.

Your journal becomes a place where identity shifts from performance to relationship. When you start with being loved, intimacy grows naturally.

Over time, you will see that loving God becomes less about obligation and more about response.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 1 John 4:19 mean?
It teaches that our love for God and others is a response to His initiating love toward us.

Why is it important that God loved us first?
Because relationship is rooted in grace, not performance.

How does this verse shape identity?
It reminds us that we are loved before we act, serve, or succeed.

How can I experience God’s love personally?
Through prayer, Scripture meditation, and honest reflection on His character.

How does journaling deepen awareness of His love?
Writing helps internalize truth and turn belief into personal gratitude.

How does this verse build a personal relationship with God?
It shifts the foundation of relationship from earning to receiving — from striving to resting in love.