1 John 4:19

What Does 1 John 4:19 Mean?

John is saying that love isn’t something we invented or figured out on our own. God is the source of all love – in fact, 1 John 4:8 says “God is love.” Because He loved us first – even before we loved Him back – we now have the capacity to love others. Our love for friends, family, and even strangers flows from the love God poured into us first. You can’t give away what you don’t have, and God makes sure we always have love to give!

Hero Challenge

Spend five minutes this week just thinking – or reading in 1 John – about how much God loves you. Really let it sink in. Then, from that full and grateful heart, find one person to show unexpected love to: a kind note, a helping hand, or a genuine encouragement. Love flows best when it starts with God’s love for you!

Did You Know?

The apostle John is often called “the apostle of love” because he wrote so much about it. He was one of Jesus’s closest friends, and near the end of his life he reportedly kept repeating the same message to the churches: “Little children, love one another.” People asked why he always said the same thing, and he answered: “Because it is the commandment of the Lord.” Simple, but everything!

Ages 4-6: Little Hero Question

Who loved you first, even before you were born? (Hint: it’s God!) How does that make you feel?

Ages 7-9: Growing Hero Question

If God loved us first, what do you think that means for how we should treat others – even people we find hard to love?

Ages 10-13: Champion Question

John says love originates with God. How does understanding that change the way you approach loving difficult people? Can you love someone without relying on God’s love flowing through you?