For about ten years, I’d often pray the same prayer: “God, help me be more loving.” I meant it every time. But no matter how hard I tried to follow the “commands” to love, something was missing. It wasn’t until the Holy Spirit began showing me—really showing me—how much God loves me that things started to change. As I embraced that love more deeply, I noticed I was giving it more freely. I wasn’t forcing it. It was just happening. That’s the miracle of loving as you’ve been loved. First comes His love, then comes yours.