In today's first 15, we're going to create space to talk about and receive God's great gift of love.

You and I were made to be loved by God.

And until we make room to receive the unselfish, steadfast, tangible love of God, we'll spend the rest

of our lives striving, vying for affection from others. May striving cease today as we receive

the lavish affection of our good and loving God. Welcome to the First 15 podcast. Our scripture for today comes from 1 John chapter 4, verse 19.

Scripture says, we love because he first loved us

you need to experience the love of God the single most important part of your day is receiving the love of your Heavenly Father.

Without being loved by God, you can't fully love Him or others.

And the Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13-1, if I speak in the tongues of men and of angels,

but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging symbol.

You're called to live your life in response to God's love,

because God asks that everything you do be done in love.

If what you are doing isn't done in love, it is not pleasing to him.

And you can't live a lifestyle of loving others without being loved by him first.

What's more, God's desire is to completely overwhelm you with his love right now. He doesn't want to love you just so you'll love him back or love those around you.

Loving God and others is a natural byproduct of receiving God's love.

He loves you just because He loves you.

He longs for you to live a lifestyle of love,

because he knows that's the absolute most fulfilling, purposeful, and peaceful way of life for you.

He longs to set you free from the burdens of living for your own gain.

He longs to lead you to the path of abundant life.

But it all starts with simply receiving his love.

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