We love because he first loved us.
The Greek allows this to be read as either statement or command, but the sense is one either way: God anticipated us with free love, and we must return that love to Him and manifest it toward others. His prior gift demands our response.
AI summary
Love to God gives us boldness in the day of judgment. When we love Him truly, we know ourselves loved by Him in return; we can lift our heads before the Judge knowing He is our friend. This assurance comes only from lovers of God.
AI summary
Commenting on 1 John 4:17-21
God's love toward us is eternal and unmerited, chosen and blessed before the foundation of the world. His love in regeneration comes first and produces ours; the more we see how early and free His love is, the more ours ignites in return.
AI summary