We love because God first loved us.
1 John 4:19

This short sentence from a rather short book of the Bible sums up our life together in Christ. Before we are aware of it, God loves us unconditionally. Propelled by the love that God has for us, we are then able to love others -- family, friends, even strangers!

It is good news for us to know that God loves us first -- before we prove ourselves, before we shape up, before we know the right things or say the right things! God loves us first because that is who God is, the God of love. And in Jesus Christ, God pours out such love for us that we are made worthy, made loveable, made holy.

On Valentine's Day, the world tells us that true love means buying the right card, getting the perfect gift, eating at the right restaurant and proving ourselves worthy for another. Wrapped in God's love, we know better!

Thanks be to God.

God of love, thank you for loving us first. Help us to show and share that love with those you put into our lives. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Contributed by Tracie
Sunday February 14, 2010
Liturgical Year C Week
Sunday Gospel reading:
Transfiguration of Our Lord