Tues Devotional

Daily Devotional 

from Touching Lives with Dr. James Merritt:

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

The New Testament is full of references to God’s love for us. John 3:16 is perhaps the most popular, and tells us that God loved us so much that He sent His Son to die for our sins. Romans 5:8 tells us that God showed His love by Christ dying while we were still sinners. Ephesians 2:4-5, 1 John 3:1, Romans 8:35-39, and Ephesians 3:17-19 are just a few more examples of New Testament passages that explain, in various ways, the great love of God for His children.


You may be surprised to learn, however, that there are very few New Testament references about our love for God. It makes sense, actually, because as 1 John 4:19 teaches, our love for God is responsive. We only love God because He first loved us. He initiates, we respond. Because of sin, it is not natural for us to love God and seek Him. That is why God did not wait for us to come to Him. Instead, He came to us through His Son, Jesus, and made a way for us to get to Him. “I am the way, the truth, and life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” What greater love could there be?

This is what makes Christianity so unique. It is not a religion with an impersonal God. It is a personal relationship with a real, live, personal God. He wants to be personally involved in our lives. He wants to be invited into the dark crevices and hidden corners so that He can graciously usher us into the light of His truth. He wants to be more than just The God. He wants to be your God and my God.

Have you personally responded to the great love of God towards you? He has shown you His love for you in His Son, Jesus. How will you respond?

God, thank You for loving me first. Thank You for seeking me out while I was lost in sin. Please help me to never take Your grace and forgiveness for granted. Help me to love You more and more each day as I study Your Word, pray, serve others, and share my faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.