In this is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
All Commentaries on 1 John 4:10 Go To 1 John 4
Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
we did not love Him first: for to this end loved He us, that we may love Him: And sent His Son to be the Atoner for our sins: litatorem, i.e. one that sacrifices. He sacrificed for our sins. Where did He find the sacrifice? Where did He find the victim which he would offer pure? Other He found none; His own self He offered.