7 Things That God Loves

by Kenneth E. Ware

Has it ever occurred to you that there are certain things that God loves. The very nature of His essence is love (1 John 4:8, 16). The Bible makes it clear that there are things and people that our Lord loves in a special way. Obviously, this is not a complete list of things that God loves, for there are many more that extends this list. However, these in particular bring pleasure to Him.

1. God Loves Sinners

The Apostle Paul affirms the love of God towards sinners, saying, “But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Again, John, the beloved disciple, in his wonderful discourse to Nicodemus states, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God loves sinners.

2. God Loves Unity

In His High Priestly prayer, Jesus prays, “…that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me” (John 17:2223). Christian unity is both pleasant and precious to the Lord (Psa. 133). God loves unity.

3. God Loves a Cheerful Giver

Giving is important to the Lord. It can be so with a good or bad attitude. One may give grudgingly or under compulsion. In order to please God through giving, it must be done so with a cheerful heart. Paul states, “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:8). God loves a cheerful giver.

4. God Loves Israel

When the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon, she was stunned at what she saw. The Temple he had built unto the Lord, the food on his table, the seating of his servants… and his stairway by which he went up to the house of the Lord, there was no more spirit in her. She blessed the men of Solomon. She blessed the servants of King Solomon. Then, she blessed the God of King Solomon, saying, “Blessed be the Lord your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel; because the Lord loved Israel forever…” (1 Kings 10:4-9). God loves Israel.

5.

God Loves the Church

The love of God towards the Church is inseparable. In fact, Paul says, “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution? …neither death, nor life, nor angels…will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:35-39). Jesus emphasized His love for the Church as He declared, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). God loves the Church.

6. God Loves Repentance

When true repentance takes place, it greatly pleases the Lord. The entire angelic host of heaven rejoices when a sinner repents and turns to the Lord in faith. Jesus says, “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). God loves repentance.

7. God Loves Justice and Righteousness

God loves justice and righteousness because it is His very nature. King David asserts, “For the Lord loves justice and does not forsake His godly ones…” and “For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright will behold His face” (Psa. 11:7; 37:28). God loves justice and righteousness.