Flow from the Source // 1 John 4:19

Did you know that love is something we learn and ultimately becomes a choice? That seems odd when considering it from a pop culture point of view; after all, we say “the heart wants what the heart wants” as we “fall in love.” Love develops through our attachments proven by how critical it is for a newborn baby to connect with a parent. We learn that our needs are met, feel safety, and learn the necessary lessons for living. God could have prewired us for love, but He would far rather us choose to love to ensure it’s authentic. It takes time to learn the depths of love, recover from heartbreak, and participate in both sides of reconciliation. But that’s when the choice to love becomes so wonderful — when we overcome our self-centered nature and choose to put others ahead of self. Those are the moments when we realize we come to know love because we experience it and see it modeled. This is true in our relationships with people, but also with our Holy God. Our verse for the day tells us simply that we love because God loved us first. We experience the selfless and sacrificial love from others who have learned it from others as well. God is the source of this love and is a spring that will never run dry. Ever. When you experience love today — whether giving or receiving — go in gratitude to the Source. Thank God for the love you feel, for how it grows, and how it changes the trajectory of life. God is the Source of love and longs for you to go with His flow. So, let’s do it!