Devotional: 1 John 4:19 (Loving Others Even When It Isn't Easy)

A Love That Multiplies

Let’s be honest—loving people isn’t always easy. Whether it’s dealing with someone who’s hurt you, trying to forgive, or simply showing patience when you’re drained, real love can feel impossible—especially when you’re running on empty.

But here’s the good news: you’re not expected to create and feel love from your own strength.

God doesn’t expect you to love others out of thin air. He invites you to receive His love first—and then share it. It’s not about trying harder; it’s about soaking deeper.

When we really let His love in, it doesn’t stop with us. It overflows. It multiplies.

Imagine trying to water a garden with an empty watering can. You could walk around, act like you’re pouring, even make the motions. But unless you first fill up, nothing grows.

It’s the same with love.

You can try to be kind. You can try to forgive. You can try to serve others. But if you’re not soaking in the truth of God’s love for you—if you’re not being filled—you’ll eventually burn out or become resentful.

But when you daily receive God’s love—when you let it wash over you, define you, and remind you that you are already enough—you don’t love out of pressure. You love out of overflow.

And this is where love multiplies. Not because we’re trying harder, but because we’re anchored deeper.

Today’s Bible Verse

“We love because He first loved us.”

1 John 4:19 (NIV)

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Understanding the Verse

Let’s unpack this verse:

“We love…” – Loving others is part of who we are as followers of Jesus. But it’s not a solo task. This love has a source.
“…because He first loved us.” – God didn’t wait for us to deserve His love. He made the first move. His love initiated, and ours responds.

This verse reminds us that love isn’t something we create—it’s something we carry. And when we stay connected to God, His love doesn’t just flow to us—it flows through us.

Faith in Action

Start Your Day Soaking In God’s Love:
Spend five minutes each morning reflecting on God’s love. Read a verse, sit quietly, and let it sink in before the day begins.
Forgive from Fullness:
Is there someone you’re struggling to love or forgive? Ask God to show you how much He has forgiven you. Let His grace move your heart toward compassion.
Love with No Agenda:
Show kindness to someone today without expecting anything in return. That’s how God loves you.
Speak It Aloud:
Every day this week, say: “I am loved by God. I can love others because He first loved me.”

Dig Deeper With Journaling Prompts

How has God shown His love to you personally this week?
In what areas of your life are you trying to love others from my own strength instead of God’s supply?
What lies are you believing that keep me from receiving God’s love fully?
Who in your life is hard to love right now—and how can you pray for them through God’s eyes?
What would it look like to love from overflow instead of obligation?
How does knowing God loved you first change how you approach relationships?
Where do you need to slow down and soak in God’s love more intentionally?
Write down daily moments where you experience God’s love—through Scripture, people, creation, or unexpected blessings.

Affirmation

I can love others because God loved me first.

Closing Prayer

Father,
Thank You for loving me first—before I ever did a thing to deserve it. Help me to receive that love fully, without fear or striving. Teach me to live from overflow, not exhaustion. Let Your love change me, and through me, change the world around me.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.