He First Loved Me

From: Echoes of Grace: 1986

• 2 min. read • grade level: 6

Margaret Moore was a miserable young lady.

For years she had been dissatisfied with her life. She began praying earnestly, and sought desperately to love God enough to merit the forgiveness of her sins.

Instead, however, the world seemed more and more enticing, and her heart was further from Him.

At last, despairing of her ability to work up enough love to God to avail for her redemption, Margaret had almost decided to throw in her lot with the godless, self-loving fun-seekers of her acquaintance. At least, she thought, she would enjoy the "pleasures of sin for a season."

But God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9⁹The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9).

What was known as "revival meetings" were being held in the area. News of a good speaker and good singing came to Margaret's ears and drew her to the hall. Yes, the singing was good and the speaker personable, but what a simple text! "He first loved us." 1 John 4:19¹⁹We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19).

Suddenly Margaret sensed that the message was meant for her the preacher had singled her out, and was presenting her case and arguing her cause. She listened intently.

The speaker said: "Do you think God requires you to love Him in order to be saved? Examine your heart, dear one. You will not find one particle of love to Him there. If you cannot be saved until you love Him, you will never be saved at all.

"But hear the good news: 'God so loved the world,' and that includes you. Think of it; rest upon it. The blessed truth is, HE LOVES US!"

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16¹⁶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16).

"Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." 1 John 4:10¹⁰Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10).

Now she saw God's great love in giving His Son to suffer for her sins. Peace and joy filled her, and a stream of love flowed out to Him who had given Himself for her.

Friend, have YOU been trying to love God in order to be saved? Your efforts are useless. Instead, think about His mighty love for you. Meditate on it, and you will gladly say: "I do believe on Him, and love Him, because 'HE FIRST LOVED ME.'" (1 John 4:19¹⁹We love him, because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19).)

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