Conclusion of Jehovah Took The Initiative

That garden was planted by Jehovah himself! It must have been indescribably lovely. Every tree delightful for beauty or for delicious fruit was there. The garden was well watered, spacious and alive with a fascinating variety of animals. Adam and Eve had everything to make their lives happy and full, including rewarding work and perfect companionship. Jehovah first loved them, and they had every reason to respond in kind. Yet, they failed to do so. Instead of lovingly obeying their heavenly Father, they selfishly rebelled against him. -Genesis, chapter 2.

How painful that must have been for Jehovah! But did this rebellion embitter his loving heart? No! "His loving kindness [or, "loyal love," footnote] is to time indefinite." (Psalm 136:1) Thus, he immediately purposed to make loving provisions to redeem any rightly disposed offspring of Adam and Eve. As we have seen, those provisions included the ransom sacrifice of his beloved Son, which cost the Father so dearly. -1John 4:10.

Yes, from the beginning Jehovah has taken the initiative in showing love to mankind. In countless ways, "he first loved us." Love promotes harmony and joy, so it is no wonder that Jehovah is described as "the happy God." (1Timothy 1:11) However, an important question arises. Does Jehovah love us as individuals? The next chapter will address that matter.

Next time: "Nothing Can "Separate Us From God's Love"

Draw Close To Jehovah, 2002