1 John 4:19
We love him, because he first loved us.
King James Version
World English Bible (WEB)
We love him, because he first loved us.
American Standard Version (ASV)
We love, because he first loved us.
What this verse means
Our love is always a response — He loved first.
A short prayer
Lord, I love because You loved me first. Keep the order straight in my heart.
Read in context — 1 John 4
17Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19We love him, because he first loved us.
20If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.
Related verses
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,”Romans 8:38
“The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.”Zephaniah 3:17
“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”1 Corinthians 15:57
“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”1 Thessalonians 5:18
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”Colossians 3:15