Who loved us first?

WHO LOVED US FIRST?

Definition and Context

This question finds its direct answer in 1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.” The pivotal idea is that our ability to love—both God and others—originates from a love shown to us in advance. Throughout Scripture, this precedes any human response or devotion.

Old Testament Foundations

1. Creation and Covenant

From the earliest pages of Genesis, the Creator fashioned humanity in His own image (Genesis 1:27). His lovingkindness is reflected in the goodness of creation (Genesis 1:31). Later, God’s covenants with individuals and nations demonstrate a love that sets the pattern for the relationship between the Almighty and humankind.

2. God’s Choosing of Israel

Deuteronomy 7:7–8 reveals the basis for God’s choice of Israel: “The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous … but because the LORD loved you.” This unconditional election underscores that the love of God does not derive from any merit within the people themselves.

3. Steadfast Love (Hebrew: Hesed)

The Old Testament often uses the term “hesed” to describe the faithful, covenant love of God (Psalm 136:1). This steadfast commitment endures despite Israel’s frequent disobedience and illustrates that God’s love preexists any human attempt to return that love or maintain faithfulness.

New Testament Emphasis

1. Fulfillment in Christ

The most explicit demonstration of being loved first arrives in the person of Jesus Christ. John 3:16 proclaims, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This self-giving act predates our acceptance of salvation, confirming that God’s love moves first.

2. Christ’s Sacrifice

Romans 5:8 affirms, “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” God did not wait for humankind to become righteous or to seek Him. Instead, the sacrifice on the cross was accomplished out of a love existing before any personal repentance or acknowledgment.

3. Apostolic Writings

First John reiterates the primacy of God’s love repeatedly (see 1 John 4:9–10). The apostle insists that love, in its purest form, is God’s initiative. It is not a mere concept but an intervention in history—culminating in the incarnation, ministry, death, and resurrection of Christ.

Theology of First Love

1. God as Love

According to 1 John 4:8, “God is love.” This means that His nature defines and shapes what love is, rather than love being an abstract virtue that God merely exhibits. The priority of His love lies in His essential nature.

2. Inseparability of Love and Salvation

The theology of salvation relies on the fact that God sought and redeemed us before we could seek and redeem ourselves (Ephesians 2:4–5). While human love fluctuates, God’s love is eternal and unchanging, rooted in His timeless being.

3. Spiritual Adoption

In Ephesians 1:4–5, believers learn that they were chosen in Christ “before the foundation of the world.” This predestined adoption into God’s family further underscores His love reaching out long before any human response.

Behavioral and Philosophical Implications

1. Motivation for Love

If we recognize that we have been loved first, we find motivation to extend love, grace, and patience to others. This position transforms relationships by focusing on grace rather than merit.

2. Humility and Gratitude

Acknowledging God’s prior love cultivates humility. Believers cannot boast as if they compelled divine favor. Instead, gratitude forms the basis for worship and service.

3. Source of True Self-Worth

Because this love originates from an eternal, holy Creator, it grants dignity and value to every believer, independent of external achievements or failures.

Historic and Practical Witness

1. Church Testimony and Growth

From early Christian communities described in Acts to modern congregations worldwide, believers testify that a supernatural love transformed their lives. Many declare they encountered God’s love even before fully understanding the gospel’s claims.

2. Martyrdom and Mission Work

The record of Christian martyrdom and mission throughout history demonstrates a willingness to sacrifice comfort and life itself. Such dedication repeatedly ties back to “the love of Christ compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14). This love persevered not due to personal merit but because God continued to transform hearts that recognized Christ’s preeminent love.

3. Spiritual Transformation

Many individuals, both historically and presently, recount personal transformations marked by recognition of divine love preceding their choice to follow. Testimonies cite newfound purpose, peace, and resolve originating from the realization: “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

Summary of Key Teachings

• God's love is antecedent to any human affection or devotion.

• The Old Testament establishes a pattern of divine choice and covenant love.

• The New Testament reveals that such love culminates in Christ’s sacrificial work.

• God’s nature as love ensures His benevolence is not contingent on human performance.

• Believers find motivation, humility, and identity in the truth that they were first loved by God.

Conclusion

The consistent witness of Scripture—from God’s covenant with Israel to the redeeming work of Christ—points to the unassailable truth that God loved us first. This prior love is neither earned nor conditional. It ensures that no one stands outside the possibility of redemption. Rather than a human initiative, love begins in the heart of the Creator and flows to humankind, inviting a response of faith, worship, and service. As 1 John 4:19 states plainly: “We love because He first loved us.”