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The Father's Heart

Loved First

  • Writer: David Campbell Jr.
    David Campbell Jr.
  • Dec 5, 2025
  • 2 min read

Scripture:“We love because he first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19 (NIV)

True Story

Years ago, a young man named Daniel volunteered at a homeless shelter. Every week he served meals, smiled, and listened to strangers share their stories. One evening, a man who rarely spoke approached Daniel and said, “Why do you care? You don’t even know me.” Daniel paused and simply replied, “Because Jesus loves me—and because He loves you too.”The man’s eyes filled with tears. In that moment he wasn’t moved by a sermon or a verse, but by the love he felt—a love that began not with Daniel’s effort, but with Jesus’ sacrificial love flowing through him.

We sometimes strive to love others on our own strength—only to become frustrated, tired, or hurt. But Scripture reminds us: love doesn’t start with us—it starts with Him. Jesus loved us first, fully, without condition. Our love is not repayment but response. His love fills us so we can pour out love freely.

Powerful Quote

“We are most like Christ when we love others without expecting anything in return.”

Action Steps

  1. Receive His love today. Spend five quiet minutes thanking Jesus for loving you first.

  2. Show love intentionally. Reach out to someone who may feel overlooked—send a message, call, or encourage them.

  3. Forgive where it’s hard. Ask the Holy Spirit for strength to love someone who is difficult to love.

  4. Extend kindness in a tangible way. Pay for someone’s coffee, help a neighbor, or speak life into someone discouraged.

Personal Reflection Questions

  1. Do I fully believe that Jesus loves me unconditionally?

  2. Where in my life do I struggle to show love, and why?

  3. Who is one person I can intentionally love this week through action or encouragement?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for loving me first—before I ever knew You, pursued You, or deserved Your grace. Fill my heart with Your love so that it overflows into the lives of others. Help me love freely, generously, and without condition. Let Your love shine through me today in every word and action. Amen.


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