Proverbs 8:17

Andrew Elkins Proverbs 8:17

I love those who love me, whoever looks for me can find me.

God showers his blessings on those that ask for them. This verse was a tough one for me. The first time I looked at this verse I was confused. "I love those who love me…" sounds like such a human sentiment. I mean I was really confused. I've always been taught that God love everybody; good, bad, or indifferent though they may be? I was hearing if you don't love me I won't love you. That is a wrong interpretation of that part of the verse.

I now see the meaning, as "You love me enough to look for me so I will love you enough to show myself to you." To look for God is to love God, and loving God is finding Him. God loves all of creation, because he created it, but we can only feel that love if we know and love Him. No good thing will be kept from us when we travel constantly toward God, standing before us as a pillar of smoke and fire.

God above, may your love and grace always be on those that seek to know you.