READ: PSALMS 36:7; 42:8; HOSEA 2:14-23; EPHESIANS 3:17-19

Have you ever seen a couple that’s obviously in love? They’re always together or trying to be together. They’ll crack jokes, help each other with tasks, and compliment each other’s appearance or talents. Even when they’re not together they text or call, doing everything they can to connect. If things are serious, they might buy each other flowers and other gifts. In short, they do everything they can to tell each other, “You’re special. I love you. You mean the world to me.”

God is the same way with us. While He loves us with an ultimate love that surpasses any romantic relationship, He uses many of the same ways romantic couples use to tell us He loves us. He places blessings in our lives. He is always there with a listening ear whenever we want to talk to Him, and He’s always trying to communicate with us. He is faithful to us, and He encourages us as we go through life.

We might be tempted to think God’s love is a passive love, or even a forced love that only comes from some kind of obligation. But it’s the opposite. It’s a love that pursues us, never gives up on us, and chooses us no matter what we do or don’t do. This love moved Jesus to die on the cross and make the way for us to be saved and live with Him forever. It gives us countless fresh starts. It provides a way to escape temptation, and it also provides forgiveness.

In other words, every act of God is motivated by love, even when it doesn’t seem like it. In every moment of our lives, He is trying to show His love for us (Jeremiah 31:3). • Morgan Mitchell

• Have you ever thought about the way God loves us as similar to the way a romantic couple loves each other? Throughout the Bible, God often compares Himself to a groom or husband, and He calls His people His bride or wife. For example, Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her.” How is the relationship God wants to have with us similar to the relationship between aloving husband and wife? How is it different?

• In what ways has God shown you His love recently? Can you recall a time you felt God’s love in a personal way? If nothing comes to mind, you can ask God to reveal His love to you anytime.

And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him. 1 John 4:16 (CSB)