Greetings,
The Ultimate Love
"This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." — 1 John 4:10
Unpacking the Message of Verse 1 John 4:10
1 John 4:10 is one of the most profound statements about the nature of God’s love and the essence of the gospel. It shifts the focus away from human effort and places it entirely on God’s initiative. Love did not begin with us; it began with Him. This verse reminds us that we did not earn God’s love, nor did we seek Him first. Instead, He loved us when we were unworthy, and He demonstrated this love by sending His Son, Jesus Christ, as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.
At the heart of this verse is the concept of divine love—agape love—which is unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial. Unlike human love, which often depends on feelings, circumstances, or reciprocation, God’s love is constant and unchanging. Romans 5:8 echoes this truth by stating, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This means that God’s love is not reactive but proactive. He does not love us because we first loved Him; He loves us despite our failings, our rebellion, and our shortcomings.
The Speciale Foundation
Maximal Productivity Accompanied By The Utmost Generosity
Worshiping Jesus ✝️ Loving People ❤️ Serving Others
The Speciale Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to serving others in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rooted in faith and guided by His teachings, our mission is to restore hope, uphold personal dignity, and empower individuals by meeting their basic needs.
We are committed to providing essential resources, compassionate support, and practical solutions to those facing hardships.
By fostering a spirit of love, service, and community, we strive to help individuals reclaim their sense of worth and pursue lives filled with purpose and pride.
Through Christ-centered action and unwavering dedication, The Speciale Foundation seeks to be a beacon of light, transforming lives and glorifying God through every act of service.
Your one time or monthly reoccurring tax deductible donation will be
100% employed to directly serving others in the name of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ - Thank You and God Bless!
NOTE: Charity founders will match your one time
and/or monthly reoccurring donations, Dollar for Dollar.
The phrase “sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice” highlights the depth of this love. The Greek word used here is “hilasmos,” which means propitiation or atonement, signifying that Jesus bore the penalty of sin on our behalf. This is the foundation of the gospel—God’s justice required that sin be punished, but His love provided a way for redemption. Jesus took upon Himself the judgment that we deserved so that we could be reconciled to God. This is the greatest act of love in all of history.
Understanding this love should transform how we see ourselves and how we live. Many people struggle with feelings of unworthiness, guilt, or fear of rejection, but this verse reassures us that we are loved not because of what we do, but because of who God is. His love is not performance-based. No matter our past mistakes or present struggles, we are loved by the Creator of the universe, and that love is unshakable.
This love also sets the standard for how we are to love others. Just a few verses later, in 1 John 4:19, we are reminded, “We love because he first loved us.” Since God’s love is selfless and sacrificial, our love for others should reflect the same nature. This means forgiving as we have been forgiven, serving without expecting something in return, and extending grace even when it is undeserved. It challenges us to move beyond selfish or conditional love and to embrace a love that mirrors Christ’s.
Another key implication of this verse is the idea that God’s love is not just a theological concept but an active reality. It is not simply something we acknowledge intellectually but something we experience and live out. Ephesians 3:17-19 speaks of knowing the love of Christ in a way that “surpasses knowledge.” This means that God’s love is meant to be encountered deeply, not just understood theoretically. When we truly grasp how loved we are, it changes everything—our identity, our relationships, our fears, and our purpose.
This verse also dispels the misconception that love is merely an emotion. Love is a choice and an action. God’s love was demonstrated through a decisive act—sending His Son. This teaches us that true love requires sacrifice. In a world where love is often equated with fleeting emotions, this verse grounds us in the truth that love is about commitment, endurance, and putting others before ourselves.
Ultimately, 1 John 4:10 is an invitation to respond. If God has loved us this way, how will we respond? Will we accept His love, surrender to it, and allow it to transform us? Will we reflect it in the way we love others? The more we meditate on the reality of God’s love, the more we are moved to worship, gratitude, and a life of obedience. His love is not just something to be acknowledged; it is something to be lived.
Closing thoughts as I pray for those reading or hearing this verse today...
God’s love isn’t something we earn—it’s something He freely gives.
Before we ever turned to Him, He had already made a way for us through Jesus Christ.
His love is unconditional, sacrificial, and eternal.
No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, His love remains.
Rest in that truth today, and let it transform the way you love others.
In His grace 🙏🏻
Be Relentless In Pursuit Of The Will
Which God Has Set Upon Your Life,
❤️ Anthony and Anna Speciale
Comments