God not only loves you, He likes you!

it's very easy to fall into the trap of thinking that, while God loves us (which is true), He doesn't like us. it's easy for us to think of Him as we do our disapproving family members. we think that He only loves out of mere social obligation, as they do.

but God's not them, is He? no. He does not simply tolerate you to keep up appearances. He isn't itching to yell at you when you turn to Him for help.

instead, He rejoices over you! He likes to hear your prayers, He likes to spend time with you, He likes to be a shoulder for you to lean on when you need it, and He likes do to so much more.

do we dislike babies for learning how to walk? no, because we understand that it's something they naturally struggle with. similarly, God doesn't give up on you the second you mess up, because He understands us, our pain, and our struggle.

just like a dad would hold out his arms eagerly waiting for his child to stand back up to continue to attempt walking, God eagerly waits for us to repent and continue to strive to walk in His image!

Zephaniah 3:17 -- "The LORD your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing."