1 John 4:16

We have come to know (by personal observation and experience), and have believed (with deep, consistent faith) the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides continually in him.  

God does not force us to be saved or love Him. God gives us the choice by showing His love for us through the example of others and our experience. Love is not just an emotion but a decision of how we will behave and believe. When we choose love, we leave strife, anger, vengeance, and sin behind. We decide to follow the example of God.