[D-fendr]

Thanks for your reply:

We love because God first loved us.

I understand the theology; but is this why you love God? To elaborate, you do not necessarily love everyone who loves you, so "because He loves you" would not necessarily explain why you love Him.

We understand our just punishment and the salvation that God has wrought in our lives.

Is this why you love God? Would you not love God if He decided you were not to be saved?

There is no "forced" love.

Then you can make choices not to love God? If so - or even if not:

Why do you love God?

[HarleyD]

...why you love God? To elaborate, you do not necessarily love everyone who loves you, so "because He loves you" would not necessarily explain why you love Him.

Actually, I couldn't have explained it better myself. I'm not sure if I "love" everyone (I doubt it). That's part of our fallen state. The ONLY reason I love God is because He has given me this love.

Is this why you love God? [because we understand our punishment]

No. That is how we understand His grace and mercy-not His love.

Then you can make choices not to love God?

Do you think you love God because YOU choose to love Him? Here's an experiment, for the next week try to hate God. See how well you do.

Why do you love God?

Because He gave me love.