God Loved Us First
OPENING PRAYER:
God, show us your love today.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.” 1 John 4:7-12 (NIV)
REFLECT:
We see throughout scripture examples of how God pours out his love on his creation. He extends grace and love time and time again and he does it with no expectation of return.
God loved us first. He extended his love through the act of creating each and every one of us and everything that we need. When we were separated from him, he sent his son to bridge the gap.
APPLY:
As we look to God, we can be reminded that we are already covered by love. What an amazing truth to hold onto as we face each day and its unique challenges!
You are loved.
So is the person next to you.
You matter and so does your neighbor.
Let God’s love be a buoy for you and a reminder to see others through the same lens.
CLOSING PRAYER:
God, we thank you for how you love us. Help me see that love in my own life and how you are seen in the lives of those around me.
CONTINUED READING:
John 3:16, 1 John 4:16
WORSHIP: