³ The Lord appeared to us in the past,^[a] saying:

⁴ But because of his great love for us,^(A) God, who is rich in mercy, ⁵ made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions^(B)—it is by grace you have been saved.^(C)

¹⁹ We love because he first loved us.^(A)

⁷ The Lord did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous^(A) than other peoples, for you were the fewest^(B) of all peoples.^{(C) 8} But it was because the Lord loved^(D) you and kept the oath he swore^(E) to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand^(F) and redeemed^(G) you from the land of slavery,^(H) from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt. ⁹ Know therefore that the Lord your God is God;^(I) he is the faithful God,^(J) keeping his covenant of love^(K) to a thousand generations^(L) of those who love him and keep his commandments.^(M)

⁹ He has saved^(A) us and called^(B) us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done^(C) but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,