It was because the Lord loved you and kept the oath he swore to your ancestors that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery. . . .

— Deuteronomy 7:8

In the past I have received beautiful bouquets of colorful flowers from family members, friends, and colleagues with an attached note: “Just because,” signed with the person’s name. No matter how I might be feeling, those expressions of love always make me smile.

God chose the Israelites “just because.” God faithfully kept his promises to their ancestors, bringing Israel out of slavery in Egypt and into the promised land. God smiled and set his love on them.

God’s love is not dependent on how much we love him. Although sometimes we might think so, no person can earn God's love or try to convince God to love them. Though we should love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, God's love is not based on who we are, our performance, societal status, or anything else. We are enough just the way we are. And God is all that we need. He will provide for all our needs (Philippians 4:19).

It is “just because” God “so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). And we can receive his love “just because.”

Lord and Savior, thank you for your love “just because.” Help me to remember that I cannot earn your love but am nevertheless loved by you in Christ. And that is abundantly more than enough. In Jesus’ name, Amen.