Because He First Loved Us

Human love in its ideal expression reflects the love of God. It is other-centered, selfless, relational commitment and faithfulness. Humanity is completely dependent on the revelation of God’s love to even realize that such commitment is possible, and in turn accept it for ourselves. This enables us to share it with those in our spheres of influence. “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19, NIV). – Jonathan Walter

Music

Forever
By Nicholas Zork © 2013

I don’t know where the river runs
And I’ll admit that it is scary
It might be headin’ for some stormy open seas
Or through some quiet tributary
And I can’t slow down these currents
Even if I wanted to
Father time says I’ll be going anyway
But I’d like to go with you

And they say forever is a long time
I suppose eternity is, too
But to me it sounds like barely long enough
As long as I can spend that time with you

I can’t promise you the future
You know well I’m only human
But I will offer all I really have to give
Every ounce of all that I am

And they say forever is a long time
I suppose eternity is, too
But to me it sounds like barely long enough
As long as I can spend that time with you

I don’t know where the river runs
But I don’t really care
There’s only one place that I really wanna be
And I’m already there

Watch this video for a live performance of this song.

Story behind the song:

“I wrote Forever for my wife not long before we were married. Ironically, I ended up singing a different original song at the ceremony—one that, while heartfelt, I no longer perform and never even recorded. Meanwhile, I’ve sung “Forever” on many occasions, including at other people’s weddings. It’s hard to predict the journey of a song—what will resonate and for how long. I’m just grateful that these words ring even truer to me today than when I first wrote them.” – Nicholas Zork

Nicholas Zork serves as minister for worship and the arts with Church of the Advent Hope in Manhattan and teaches Christian worship, music, and songwriting at Andrews University. He lives with his family in New York City, where he also works as a music director and songwriter. Learn more at nicholaszork.com

 Digital Drawing

By Naida Quiapon © 2024

‘You were loved before you could love.’ — Meaningful Word.

Naida Quiapon is the creative behind @meaningful_word (Instagram). As a senior designer based in Australia working for one of Melbourne’s largest performance spaces, she uses her specialized knowledge of design and illustration to serve and connect with others through digital art.