First John 4:10
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.
The Why of His Love
If someone asks me why I love Jesus, I can’t sound all “holier than thou” because I’m not. The only reason that I love Jesus is because He loved me first (1 John 4:19), so I cannot take any credit whatsoever for loving Him at all. In fact, I was once His enemy (Rom. 5:10). What would you tell someone if asked why you love Jesus? Now I can say that I love Him because He was willing to die for me when I didn’t deserve it and was still a wicked sinner (Rom. 5:10). When you talk to others about Jesus, you could ask them if they would be willing to die for an enemy or someone who was ungodly (Rom. 5:6). I would think their answer would be no, but that shows the depth of love Jesus has for us–to die for the ungodly, the wicked, and even His enemies (Rom. 5:6-10). That’s why grace is so amazing.
His Unending Grace
I am so glad that I cannot ever out-sin the grace of God. I don’t mean that we take His grace for granted. But is there any sin that is greater than our Savior? What other religion forgives us of all our sins (1 John 1:9) and isn’t based upon our works, performance, or best efforts (Eph. 2:8-9)? The blood that Jesus shed at the cross is sufficient for all time for all sinners and covers all sin. That is why His grace is never-ending. It goes on and on and will be sufficient to pay for the sins of those not yet born and their sins not yet committed. Is that part of the reason you would tell others why you love Jesus? Doesn’t that show His love for us?
Love for God, Love for Neighbors
If we say we love God but hate our brother, our sister, or even our neighbors, you might want to read the Book of 1 John because John says if we say we love God but hate our brother or sister, we’re lying (1 John 4:20). We can’t pretend to say we love God when we hate others. It’s not possible. If we try and tell someone why we love Jesus but still harbor hate in our heart, do you think they’ll really believe us? I couldn’t blame them if they didn’t. Jesus said that they will know we are His disciples if we love one another (John 13:35) and not simply because we call them our brothers or sisters.
A Closing Prayer
God my Father, thank You for loving me first because I couldn’t have initiated that love for You first because You first had to love me. I thank You for Jesus’ love displayed for me, a sinner, on the cross, and in His beloved name I pray.
Amen
Republished by Blog Post Promoter
