Understanding the Love of God in 1 John 4:9

Love is the beginning of EVERYTHING

• You and I have life and breath at this very moment because God loves us.

John tells his readers that the primary way God shows His love towards us is through Jesus

• He lived a sinless life as a representative of humanity to God

• His death and resurrection made a way for us to be forgiven of our sins and begin a relationship with God.

God GIVES US His love freely

• There is absolutely nothing we can do to earn His love and there is nothing about us that deserves His love.

Love is also our GREATEST responsibility in life

• Jesus made it clear to His disciples that loving God and others are two of the greatest commandments

• Our relationship with God is the model for how we should love other people.

Since we have freely received love from God, we should also freely give love to others.