“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.” ⎯ 1 John 4:18-19

Have you ever used the word “because” to answer a question someone asks you? Then there is the dreaded follow up when asked again, and you say, “just because!” We use that answer for one of two reasons: either we don’t want to give an answer, or we don’t know the answer. No matter how you use it, the word “because” should join two statements and give an explanation or reason for the first. For example:

• Don’t text and drive BECAUSE it increases the possibility of a wreck.
• Guys/girls don’t understand girls/guys BECAUSE (feel free to put your own answer here).

The Bible gives us lots of great “because” statements and one is in today’s passage. This week you learned that Jesus commanded us to love others, and that we are able to do that “because He first loved us.” As you meditate on that verse remember the Bible says that God is love and He sent Jesus because He is love. When the Spirit of God entered your life at salvation, you also received the awesome love of God. With that love dwelling in you, you can love others and it is because God is perfect and complete love. 

So, on your own you really don’t have the ability to live out the great commandment. But with God in you, His perfect love will extend to others. 

Today, write or say a prayer thanking God that He loved you first, and because of that love you can love others.