In Malachi 1:1-2, God makes one of the most amazing statements to his disobedient children, the nation of Israel. He says simply and clearly, “I have loved you!”
 
And their heartbreaking response is “How have you loved us?”
 
What do these verses tell us about God?
 
1. He took the first step toward reconciliation.
 
2. His whole relationship with Israel was based on his love for them.
 
3. His last prophetic utterance of the Old Testament reiterates his love for his people.
 
4. When their ungrateful voices answer, “How have you loved us?” God in his grace actually answers them when they least deserve it!
 
These two verses reveal so much of God’s heart and so much of the ungratefulness of humankind, for Israel is just a microcosm of all people through the ages.
 
Stop for a moment and worship God who has loved you over the years even when you least deserved it!