We Love Him, Because He First Loved Us

"We love him, because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19

Was so touched and challenged by a recent Bible study.

I was surprised to learn that the "love" that I show God in 1 John 4:19 supposedly should be the same unselfish, unconditional agape love that God first showed me in the same verse. Made me think about whether I really attain to this level of love...and if I don't, what's holding me back?

I'm tired of using the excuse that I'm human, and therefore I can't claim righteousness because I was born with a carnal nature.

I'm tired of looking at "good men" like David, Solomon, Moses, Noah, and using the excuse that they were faithful, but still sinned, so I can love God, be faithful, and still continue in my sin.

I'm tired of looking at myself.

I will look at Jesus.

I will truly live as if I have been born as a new creation.

I will claim the righteousness of Christ as my own, "For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." 2 Corinthians 5:2