I love because ...

Here is another repost of one of Don Carson's Holy Sonnets, based on 1 John 4:10, 1 John 4:19 and John 20:21. I think this one is grand.

Forty–five

I love because you first loved me: your love

With irresistible enticement paid

In blood, has won my heart; and, unafraid

Of all but self, I’m driven now to love.

I love because you first loved me: your love

Has transformed all my calculations, made

A farce of love based on exchange, displayed

Extravagant self-giving from above.

I love because you first loved me: without

Regenerating power provided by

Your Son’s propitiating death, no doubt

My strongest love would be the mighty “I”.

Your self-originating love’s alone –

The motive, standard, power of my own.

D.A. Carson