[[-SOAP HUB]] [[-Malachi Overview]] [[Malachi 01]] ## Title: Do You Realize How Loved You Are? ## Scripture: (Malachi 1:2) “I have shown love to you,” says the Lord, but you say, “How have you shown love to us?” “Esau was Jacob’s brother,” the Lord explains, “yet I chose Jacob (NET) ## Observation: In some relationships, there is a certain amount of insecurity that requires people to constantly prove their love. They believe love needs constant affirmation. One of the greatest defenses against this is for someone to take the time and show the steady stream of love over time. This is usually because the one claiming to not be loved has forgotten the past acts of kindness. God is doing this for the nation of Israel. They are doubting His love. God’s response is to say, “Look at your past. If that is not love, tell me what is. Also, tell me what has changed.” Sometimes, when God does not appear to be doing what we want or in the timing we want it, we can feel as though God is not being faithful. To that, God could be saying, “Look at your past. Look at how I have been with you. Has anything changed?” The answer would be no. It is okay to hurt when bad seasons come. It is okay to wish for better days. But, don’t let that drive doubt into your mind. God is faithful. If you doubt that, look at your past. ## Application: Trust God and hold tightly to your relationship with Him. He is better to us than we realize. ## Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for being so good to us.