Not that we have loved Him... Gospel thoughts on I John 4

In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. I John 4:10
"Not that we have loved Him..."

This is our problem...the problem of all problems: That we have not loved Him. By making the conscious choice to sin against Him, we show our enmity against Him. We have all gone astray. There is none that do good...No. Not. One. (Romans 3:12)

But while we were His enemies (Romans 5:10), with no love for Him, He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. He bore our sins, so that we might not bear God's wrath. Then He died, was buried and rose again for our justification (Romans 4:25). 

For further study, go to http://www.ligonier.org/blog/two-important-words-good-friday-expiation-and-propitiation/