[Salvation]

In a less perfect (but still true) way, God also loves us and loves in us the perfection we will one day attain by His grace and mercy. A couple of texts come to mind:

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness (Jer 31:3).

Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. For I am the LORD, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior … you are precious and honored in my sight, and … I love you (Isaiah 43:1-3).

[Salvation]

Monsignor Pope Ping!

[cloudmountain]

I remember learning about Jewish life.
One thing was that everyone got married. A girl HAD to leave her home and enter the home of her husband. An average family generally couldn't support single daughters.
A man also HAD to get married and bring in a wife to help HIS mother, a MOST important fixture in a son's household.
So, sometimes people DID marry and stay celibate. Her husband would support her and she would be the wife in almost every way.

I THINK I remember correctly.

[defconw]

Some people don't like this hymn, but I do.

I Have Loved You

I have loved you with an everlasting love I have called you, and you are mine I have loved you with an everlasting love I have called you, and you are mine

seek the face of the lord and long for him he will bring you his light and his peace

I have loved you with an everlasting love I have called you, and you are mine I have loved you with an everlasting love I have called you, and you are mine

seek the face of the lord and long for him he will bring you his joy and his hope

I have loved you with an everlasting love I have called you, and you are mine I have loved you with an everlasting love I have called you, and you are mine