a contrast in love

John wrote a lot about love.  His Gospel holds the great dialogue between Jesus & Nicodemus.  He conveyed the high purpose of God in John 20:30-31.  In 1 John, the book is characterized by an emphasis on love.  The contrast is profoundly articulated in chapter 4 and the believer that understands this significant statement, profound joy awaits.  It's in chapter 4, verse 10

1John 4:10 Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

He loved us!  Praise God!