1 John 4:10-11, "This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

Think

There is something significant about being the first person to say "I love you" in a relationship. It involves risk. What if they don't say it back? Because once it leaves our lips, we leave no doubt about how we feel. Nonetheless, we can be proud of ourselves for taking the initiative to truly express our feelings. Here's what's great! The reason we can risk saying "I love you" is because God took the initiative to make His amazing love for us known first by sending His only Son to die for our sins. Why was this necessary? Since God is perfect and we're perfectly imperfect, our sinfulness separates us from entering His holy presence. Jesus bridged that gap the moment He burst forth from the grave! When we accept Jesus and ask for forgiveness, our relationship is restored with our Heavenly Father. In the same way that God took the initiative to express His love for us, He wants us to do the same for others - to love unconditionally, without judgment. How can you express your love today with either words or actions?

Act

Take the initiative today to encourage someone, offer help without being asked, or even perform a random act of kindness.

Pray

Heavenly Father, Thank You for taking the initiative to express Your love to me. Help me love others as You love - unconditionally and without judgment. In Jesus' name, Amen.