We love each other because he loved us first. 1 John 4:19
First, we must pray for ourselves that God would send us the Spirit to strengthen our inner man according to His glorious might and power. This is especially important because as you actively seek to know God more, you will become targets of Satan! Yes, here on earth we live in spiritual warfare, either allegiant to Christ or the dark side. We may watch the Game of Thrones, or be interested in the history of the Civil War of the USA, or of World War II, yet never realize that righteous leadership conquers in the end, despite admiring the intense struggles of allegiant men and women standing decisively for the right cause, against the evils and deceit of devilish minions – the cause of every conflict of this world.
Thus, it is paramount that you pray for strength to persevere through the attacks that Jesus promised will come our way as we follow Him.
Second, in order to know Him intimately, we must seek the Lord Himself—not just ideas about Him. Even for Christians, it is easy today to reduce our relationship with God to an abstract, an old ritualization, or an intellectual concept. This, however, will not lead to intimacy with God.
Third, we must see His love in the Gospels, for we love because he first loved us. Christ alone bridges the way to God’s favour. You must acknowledge his love when you read the Gospels. There we respond ourselves: We love each other because he loved us first. 1 John 4:19
