What God Loves

Yesterday we took a look at what God hates and what breaks his heart. Today we are going to take a look at what God loves.

I spend a lot of time planting good seed into my son, Samuel. Often our conversations and lessons are based on situations that arise and how to respond them. My response to many of his intending life questions is often the same..."Will it be pleasing to God?", or, "Will it put a smile on God's face?"

I don't want to be legalistic or to teach my son how to be legalistic. But, rules are rules and they have been put there for our safety. Some people think that "rules" can cause you to be legalistic and I guess they can be if the motive is fueled by works. I want to obey rules (and I want my son to also) with the motive being this - I simply want to put a smile on God's face and please (make him happy) with every aspect of my life. Yes, I am on a mission to please God and because of that I want to obey all his rules. Again, not because I have to, but because I love him - that's my motive. When your motive is love, then you always want to do things that please.

So after pondering the thought, "What does God love?" I made this list.

God loves it when we have no other God's before him.
God loves it when we don't have idols of any form in our lives.
God loves it when we do not misuse his name.
God loves it when we observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
God loves it you honor your father and mother.
God loves it when you don't murder (or hold murder in your heart).
God loves it when you don't commit adultery (keep even your heart pure from these thoughts).
God loves it when you don't steal (don't take what doesn't belong to you).
God loves it when you speak truthfully of your neighbor (don't give false testimony).
God loves it when you don't want what is not yours (do not covet).

God loves it when we love our neighbors as ourselves.
God loves it when we love one another.
God loves it when we give cheerfully, for he loves a cheerful giver.
God loves it when we feed the hungry and give a drink to the thirsty.
God loves it when we clothe those in need.
God loves it when we take care of the sick.
God loves it when we care for the widows and the orphans.

God loves every thought he has of you.
God loves the fragrance of your offering.
God loves the time you spend with him.
God loves to call you by name.
God loves the sound of your voice.
God loves you with a never ending love.
God loves to pour his love on you.

The list of things that God loves could go on and on. Upon reading this list, I hope you can see how much God loves the work you are doing for His kingdom, as well as how pleased he is with the motive of your heart while doing it. You certainly are putting a smile on God's face for he loves not only what you are doing, but more importantly he loves you!