“We love, because He first loved us.” 1 John 4:19

Read Genesis 29. In these verses, we read about the totally relatable (and extremely unfortunate) story of a woman named Leah. The Bible tells us that her husband, Jacob, was tricked into their marriage by her own father. Jacob had served him for seven years in exchange for his daughter Rachel, Leah’s YOUNGER sister. Therefore, upon discovering that he had married Leah rather than his first choice, he agrees to another seven years of servitude for Rachel’s hand. Verse 23 even says “… he loved Rachel more than Leah.” What a horrible situation!

Have you ever felt like the second choice? Like Leah, did someone make you feel unlovable, undeserving, or just unwanted?

When we are experiencing those feelings, we must remember the words of 1 John 4:19 and how God sees us. He did not forget Leah, nor did he ignore the pain she experienced. Likewise, He hears the cries of His daughters and responds with loving comfort. We are not the second choice to a God who first loved us. And we are worth the best gift He could offer — His only son.