Who Loves Who First?

"I love those who love me,
And those who seek me diligently will find me."
- Proverbs 8:17 NKJV

When this verse is read, if it is not interpreted correctly with other Scripture, it sounds as if God's love is conditional. We know this isn't true, because while we were haters of God (obviously not loving Him) He died for us. There is no greater love than to lay down your life for your friends.

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
- Romans 5:8 NKJV

This is why it is SO IMPORTANT to interpret Scripture with Scripture. At first glance you have two contradictory verses, which would disqualify Scripture as truth if it were. They must both be true.

We know that God's love for the believer is unconditional, and is from everlasting. He loved us BEFORE we ever were.

The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying:
“Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love;
Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you."
- Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV

BECAUSE of His love for us, we THEN love Him.

We love Him because He first loved us.
- 1 John 4:19 NKJV

Our love for Jesus is the proof that He loves us, so He does love those who love Him. Never interpret Scripture through perception, and ALWAYS interpret Scripture with Scripture. If you are loved of God, you will love Him back and in this truth you have rest for your soul.

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Romans 8:38-39 NKJV