**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today! As the author of 1 John, can you share with us the essence of what you wrote in chapter 4, verse 10?

**Author (1 John):** Absolutely! This verse is really a profound reflection on love. I stated, “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us.” It’s important to emphasize that love begins with God, not us.

**Interviewer:** That’s intriguing! Could you elaborate on what you mean by love starting with God?

**Author (1 John):** Certainly! Many people often think of love as a mutual expression—something that humans initiate. But in reality, the true essence of love is revealed in God’s initiative. He loved us first, demonstrating that love is not merely a response but a fundamental characteristic of His nature.

**Interviewer:** And how does that influence our understanding of love in our relationships with others?

**Author (1 John):** It reshapes everything! When we recognize that God’s love is unconditional and initiated by Him, it challenges us to extend that same kind of love to others. If we can grasp that we are loved without earning it, we’re called to love others in the same way—freely and generously.

**Interviewer:** That’s a powerful message. You mention God sending His Son in this context as well. How does that connect?

**Author (1 John):** Exactly! I stated, “and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” This means that God didn’t just love us in words but action—He sent Jesus as a sacrifice to restore our broken relationship with Him. It’s the ultimate expression of love, showing us how far God is willing to go for our sake.

**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing that insight! It certainly gives us a deeper understanding of love from a divine perspective.

**Author (1 John):** My pleasure! It’s a message I deeply believe is at the heart of our faith and community.