In all our earthly relationships love has a beginning. But in our relationship with God, his love has no beginning. He chose us before the creation of the world. In love, he predestined us to be his children. These words of Paul contain not only Paul’s rejoicing, but God’s own joy! Words like “lavished” and “freely” and “pleasure” show the character of our God’s love that depends not on us, but only on him. Can’t you see how much fun God is having? Can’t you see how excited he is to have us as his own? He has been planning this since before time began!