Because He First Loved Us

One of the greatest revelations I've received from the Bible is this verse:

"We love Him because He first loved us." 1 John 4: 19

You mean we are not built to give out unconditional love?

No, we can't give what we do not have. 

We have to fill ourselves with God's love first before we can love and praise Him.

We have to fill ourselves up first with God's love before we can give love to our spouses (if married),  children (if we have any), family, loved ones, work colleagues, pets, neighbours, nation, humanity at large, and the world around us. 

Some people get burnt out because they keep giving to others, their career, etc and don't know how to fill themselves up.

My flatmate's cat, Zeus, is a master at giving love after he's been filled up. When he needs filling up, he comes to us for cuddles and food. When he's ready, he will come and give love in his own cat way, sometimes, by simply keeping you company. Once he's given you enough attention, he's off to find a quiet space to enjoy his own company and receive love as God inspires him, which is mostly choosing where to sleep. After that he's ready to love.

And so the cycle repeats itself.

I've stopped looking for love in all the wrong places. I've learned that all the love I need comes from God. Only then am I able to give from my overflow.  The posts and photos that I share on social media are from the love overflow that I receive from God.

We love Him (and others) because He first loved us. ❤️

----

Relevant Bible verse:

"You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over." Psalm 23: 5

Photo of Zeus keeping me company



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