God Went First

Most of the things we do for other people we really do for ourselves.

Acts of service done for the feeling of significance they give us.

Acts of mercy done for the feeling that we're not so bad.

Religious activity done so that we don't feel guilty or bad.

What could bring us to the place where we love not for our own sake?  The only thing I know of is the gospel.   The gospel teaches that God has initiated things, we just respond.  God loved first.  God went first.