First Love

     “And we have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love …”      – 1 John 4:16

“He loves me, he loves me not. He loves me, he loves me not …”

I lightheartedly repeated these words as I plucked petals off a daisy many years ago. Mark and I had begun dating, and we had just picnicked at the duck pond on our college campus. We truly were already in love.

Sure – we’ve had our ups and downs along the way as we keep learning what love is all about. Love isn’t always easy. But throughout the past 25 years, I’ve never doubted Mark’s love for me. I realize that this in itself is a tremendous gift –  I don’t take it lightly. His love has always been a constant.

I am so grateful.

My husband’s love for me pictures God’s love for us: It never changes or goes away. It never lessens, nor is it based on how well we conduct ourselves.

God’s love emanates from deep within Him … He loves because that is who He is.

Our challenge is to know and believe God’s love for us. We need to have an intimate understanding of His love through personal experience. We need to have confidence that His love isn’t just for everyone else – it’s for you and me!

Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, we don’t ever have to wonder if God loves us. He spoke the words “I love you” without speaking at all. And He’s asking today, “Do you know and believe My love for you?”

God’s love isn’t just a one-time encounter … it’s an everyday, eternal enjoyment. For you and me.

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

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