This is a simple, yet powerful verse that reveals the most beautiful truth of our lives - Everything starts with God's love for us. Before we love Him, He first loved us. God created us because He loves us; God saved us because He loves us; God adopted us into His family because He loves us. The foundation of everything rests on God's love for us, and it is through Jesus Christ that we see the full extent of His love.
In this verse, John emphasizes a pattern of continuous love rather than isolated acts of love. Since God loved us once at the cross, we can go on loving Christians. God took the initiative. As a result of His initiative, we are able to love because He has infused us with His love.
Throughout the Bible, God makes it very clear to us that Love is a command, not an option (John 15:12, John 15:17, John 13:34). If you want to know how to love other people, look no further than our Lord Jesus Christ!

Dear Heavenly Father, fill my heart with Your love in this moment. Thank You for loving us so much that You sent Your Son Jesus to die on the cross for us. Before I know you, You knew me. Before I love You, You loved me. The fact that You created me with love gives me immeasurable peace. Nothing can compare to Your love in this world. Help me to love the people around me as a reflection of Your love. Help me love my enemies so that they can experience Your love and grace as well. 
In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.