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Monday, January 5 — “Love Comes First”

Scripture: 1 John 4:7–10, 15–19

Love does not begin with us. That may sound simple, but it changes everything. The writer of 1 John reminds a weary, fractured community that love starts with God’s initiative, not human effort. “In this is love,” the letter says, “not that we loved God but that God loved us.”

Many of us live as though love must be earned—by being good enough, productive enough, or spiritual enough. Over time, that mindset leads to fear: fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of not measuring up. But Scripture offers a different center. God’s love comes first, before we get anything right.

Putting first things first means allowing that love to move to the center of our lives. When love is central, fear loses its grip. We no longer live to prove ourselves; we live from a place of being known and held.

A stronger life does not begin with effort. It begins with receiving love—and letting that love shape how we live and how we treat others.

Reflection Question:
Where do you notice fear or pressure shaping your choices instead of love?

Concrete Practice:
Before checking your phone today, pause and say: “I am loved by God today.” Let that be the first voice you listen to.

Prayer:
Loving God, thank you for loving me first. Help me live today from that love rather than from fear. Amen.