TRANSFORMING LOVE: GOD LOVES YOU WITH A HOLY LOVE, PART 3

TRANSFORMING LOVE

GOD LOVES YOU WITH A “HOLY” LOVE, Part 3

“... [No]… greater love…than this…” (John 15:13 KJV).

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 “…he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). God, the Holy Spirit is DEVOTEDLY loving to his people even when they depart from him, ignore his commandments, abandon him, LEAVE him, or forget about him altogether. “…for years on end my people have FORGOTten ME…” (Jeremiah 2:32 NLT). Yet, “…he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

“…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  ^“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV).

Human DEVOTION, basically, relies upon the physical and emotional staying motivated. “… [My]… thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways…..as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts…” (Isaiah 55:8-9 ASV).

God’s DEVOTED LOVE, basically, relies upon his HOLY character and his SOVEREIGN CHOICE to love his people, on purpose, simply because “HE” wants too. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The fruit of the Spirit is … LOVE …” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

“… [Nothing] … will be able to separate [God’s people]… from the [immutably devoted]…love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  

God’s DEVOTED love is an expression and demonstrated of his attitude toward his people. His DEVOTED love is NOT determined by HOW his people make him FEEL or what they DO, but by HIS sovereign CHOICE to LOVE them, regardless. “… Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us...” (1 John 4:10 KJV).

God’s DEVOTED LOVE toward his people “is” not a religious DUTY, but a heartfelt, sovereign CHOICE that NEVER changes or loses its fervor! “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  ^“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV). “…he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

God’s DEVOTED LOVE toward his people is the foundational BOND that unites man’s soul and God’s Spirit together in a “covenant unity” relationship that is also connected by his indwelling Holy Spirit. It is a SPIRITUAL BOND of LOVE. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… [God’s] Love [for his people] … is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). “…He (she) that is JOINED unto the Lord (Jesus) is ONE Spirit…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). They“…[have become]... a living (spirit) soul (soul) (again)…” (GENESIS 2:7 KJV).

Thus, DEVOTED LOVE is not dependent upon emotional or physical demands. God’s DEVOTED LOVE is not a performance of religiosity or habit, or robotic duties.

God’s DEVOTED LOVE is an immutably response to his people that express and demonstrate his faithful commitment to them. “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  “…he remains faithful…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).

God’s sets his OWN standard for DEVOTED LOVE and EMPOWERS his people, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, to experience it intimately. “…God’s love has been poured out into [the]... hearts [of his people]... through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to [them]…” (Romans 5:5 NIV).

He works, by the indwelling Holy Spirit, the POWER of his DEVOTED LOVE “IN” and “THROUGH” his people. “…it is the … HOLY SPIRIT who is the SOURCE of [it] all. …the same God who does the work IN and THROUGH all of [those] who are his. The HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of us … (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT).

Everything God, says and does is an expression and demonstration of his DEVOTED LOVE toward his people. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…THE WORDS (God’s loving communication) THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT (god is spirit)…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…It is God who works (expresses himself) in you …” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…May he WORK (by expressing himself) IN … [you] … what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV).

God’s DEVOTED LOVE is expressed and demonstrated through the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…Jesus Christ is in you…” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). “…God will supply all your [need]… according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19 NASB).

God’s DEVOTED LOVE is expressed and demonstrated through “… love, joy, peace… [produced by the indwelling holy spirit]…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

God’s DEVOTED LOVE is expressed and demonstrated through “... longsuffering, gentleness, faith… [produced through the indwelling Holy Spirit]…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

God’s DEVOTED LOVE is expressed and demonstrated through “...goodness, meekness, temperance…[produced by the indwelling Holy spirit]…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).

God’s DEVOTED LOVE is expressed and DEMONSTRATED through. .. “…[his]…love, which is the perfect BOND of unity...” (Colossians 3:14 NASB). God’s “…love is patient, [God’s]…love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. [God’s]…love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres, [God’s]…love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).

“….[And nothing]…shall be able to separate [God’s people]… from the love of God which is “in” Christ Jesus [their]... Lord…” (Romans 8:38-39 KJV).  “… [God, the Holy Spirit, constantly, assures his people that HIS]…faithful ... never ends...” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NLT).  

God SPEAKS to his people.“…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK (or express) unto you, they ARE SPIRIT (god is spirit)…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” (COLOSSIANS 3:16 KJV). “…Now the Lord (Christ, the living Word) is that Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).

The indwelling Holy Spirit expresses and demonstrates God’s DEVOTED LOVE. God “…grant[s]… [his people]… to be strengthened (empowered) with might by his Spirit in the[ir] inner man (woman)…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…[God’s people]... can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth (empowers) [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV).

God’s INTERACTIONS with his people originates from the indwelling Holy Spirit, which expresses and demonstrates his DEVOTED LOVE. “…It is God who works (to express his love) in [his people] …” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV).

God’s people are also devoted to him, but not as a dutiful slave. They are FREE to willfully and voluntarily CHOOSE to express and demonstrate DEVOTED LOVE to him. “… [YOU CHOOSE]... this day whom ye will serve….” (Joshua 24:15 KJV).

God’s people are NOT slaves to the “covenant unity” relationship with him. They are FREE to ABIDE with him or DEPART from him.  “… I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore [YOU]…choose life…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Choose LIFE…” (Deuteronomy 30:19 KJV). “…Jesus said… I am the LIFE…..” (John 11:25 KJV).

Doing what you LOVE to do incites passion and spurs devotion. Doing what you HAVE to do (duty) or are FORCED to do (duty) can lead to burn-out, habit, routine, boredom, complacency, half-heartedness, passionless obligation, slave mentality, and joyless labor. "… She will give herself to me there, as she did long ago when she was young, when I freed her from her captivity in Egypt.  "In that coming day," says the LORD, "you will call me 'my husband ' instead of 'my master'…” (Hosea 2:14 NLT).

When God’s people allow their devotion to turn into duty, God is NOT pleased. “…The righteous man shall live by faith…” (Romans 1:7 NASB). “… [They] walk by faith…” (2 Corinthians 5:7 NASB). “….Without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).  “…Trust in the Lord with all thine heart…” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).

“… [God’s people] can do all things THROUGH Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…The righteous will live by his faith…” (Habakkuk 2:4 NASB). “… [You] live by the faith of the Son of God.   …” (Galatians 2:20 KJV). “…the Father that dwelleth in [you] he doeth the works…” (John 14:10 KJV).

Nonetheless, “…I HAVE SOMEWHAT AGAINST THEE…[YOU HAVE]…LEFT YOUR FIRST LOVE…” (REVELATION 2:4 KJV).

DUTY is LIMITED to self-effort, DEVOTED LOVE is “NOT” limited by self-effort, but is EMPOWERED by the indwelling Holy Spirit. “…[God]…grant[s]… [his people]… to be strengthened (empowered) with might by his Spirit in the[ir] inner man (woman)…” (Ephesians 3:16 KJV). “…[They]… can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth (empowers) [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…It is God who works in …[them] …” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “… I lay down my life... No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).

“...You did not choose me but I chose you…” (John 15:16 ASV).  “… [Nothing] …will be able to separate [you]… from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord…” (Romans 8:31-39 NASB). “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). “… [God has]… loved [you]...with an everlasting love….” (Jeremiah 31:3 KJV).  “…I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS, to the very end…"(Matthew 28:20 NIV). 

However, “…[God’s] people would not listen to [HIM]. They kept doing whatever they wanted, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…I HAVE SOMEWHAT AGAINST THE[m]…[THEY HAVE]…LEFT [THEI]R… FIRST LOVE (God, the Holy Spirit)…” (REVELATION 2:4 KJV).

God’s love is not jealous. However, there are many scripture that say God “…[is] a jealous God…” (Exodus 20:5 KJV).

Sounds like an oxymoron, right? If God is love and love is not jealous, what does it mean that God is a jealous God?

Jealousy usually carries a negative meaning and implies that someone is envious of another in a covetous manner. We know that jealousy is usually linked to “…..disorder and every evil practice (James 3:16 NIV).

God is a jealous God, but says, “….I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy…” (2 Corinthians 11:2).

Godly jealousy is revealed in Isaiah 42:8, “…my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images….”

God prudently protects what is rightfully his to have, which is what godly jealousy means.

 Godly jealousy is divine and does not share his covenant presence, in the lives of his people, with another god or idol. “…my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images….” (Isaiah 42:8).

Godly jealousy and human jealousy are two different types of expressions. Human jealousy is usually covetous for what belongs to another; Godly jealousy is protective for what rightly belongs to someone.

In the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, when his people commit apostasy, it can provoke Godly jealousy.

God’s people belong to God, they accepted Christ into their hearts, bonded to his love, and connected to his Spirit.  God rescued them from bondage at an expensive cost by allowing Jesus to die for their sins. He reconciled them to himself out of love, out of his own choice, and because he wanted his people BACK.

God’s people rightfully belong to HIM. When they get out of fellowship with God, they leave or depart from the RICHES of his providential care.

God’s people willfully or voluntarily CHOOSE to abide or stay in the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit.

Thus, God’s love is not jealous as humans know jealousy. God simple wants what “rightfully” belongs to him: his OWN people. “…Because YOU BELONG to him … ” (Romans 8:1-14 NLT). “...We are his; we are HIS PEOPLE...” (Psalms 100:3 KJV). “...[Everyone]… who believe the Good News...[and become God’s people]... BELONG TO CHRIST JESUS…” (Ephesians 3:6 NLT).  

God’s love is not boastful. When one boasts, in loving relationships, they condescendingly sing their own praises about the things they do for themselves, or others.

God does not need to boast about his UNIQUE holiness. He KNOWS who he is and KNOWS there is NONE like him. “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  

“…I am  the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). "… I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God…" (Revelation 1:8 NASB). “… I, the LORD … the first, and with the last. I am He...'" (Isaiah 41:4 NASB).  

“...The lord is GOOD…there is none good but one, that is, God” (Nahum 1:7 & Mark 10:18 KJV). “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “…  I, the Lord, am your healer…” (Exodus 15:26). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  And, “There is none holy as the Lord…” (1 Samuel 2:2 KJV). “…God is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “… God will supply all [his people need]…” (Philippians 4:19 NASB). “… [God] … will keep in perfect peace all who trust in … [him] … all whose thoughts are fixed on … [him!]” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT). “….The Lord is “my” shepherd ….” (PSALM 23:1-3 NLT).

“… THE LORD (belongs to his people and HE) … is [their] rock and [their] fortress, [their] deliverer, [their] GOD, [their] rock, in whom [you] … take refuge; [their] shield and the horn of [their] salvation, [their] stronghold.…" (Psalms 18:3 NASB). “… I the LORD am [my people’s]... Saviour …” (Isaiah 60:16 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

“...Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord...” (1 Corinthians 1:30-31 NIV). “...Therefore [we can]… boast all the more gladly about …[our] weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on [us]…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV). “….Apart from [Jesus,] …you can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

 “…by the GRACE of God I am what I am…” (1 Corinthians 15:10 NIV).

God, the Holy Spirit, KNOWS who he is, he KEEPS his Word, and he ALWAYS does what he says he will do. He NEVER changes. “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).  

“...There’s no one quite like you among the gods, O Lord, and nothing to compare with your works. All the nations you made are on their way, ready to give honor to you, O Lord, Ready to put your beauty on display, parading your greatness, And the great things you do— God, you’re the one, there’s no one but you!...” (Psalms 86:8-10 MSG).

God, the Holy Spirit, is the only BEING who truly has a right to BOAST of himself, yet God is not boastful, but meek and humble. . “…God is love…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).“...Love ...does not boast...” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…[One of]...the fruit of the Spirit is... Meekness…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV).“… [God, through Jesus]…took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men…” Philippians 2:6-7 KJV). “…[God through Jesus came to earth] ...TO SERVE …” (Matthew 20:28 NIV).

“…[God through Jesus] ... made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he HUMBLED himself…” Philippians 2:6-8 KJV). God through Jesus said: “…I am gentle and humble ...IN HEART (displayed the spiritual fruit of gentleness and meekness)…” (Matthew 11:29 NIV). “... [God through Jesus]... Christ...when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not (displayed the spiritual fruit of temperance)...” (1 Peter 2:19-12 KJV). “…[God through Jesus] ... made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and ...became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross…” Philippians 2:6-8 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

God through Jesus distinctly said, “……I seek not mine own will…” (John 5:30). “…This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches. But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!” (Jeremiah 9:23-24 NLT).  

“You boast in your arrogance…..” (James 4:16 ASV). “...They pour forth words; they speak arrogantly; …[and the wicked] vaunt themselves (boast)” (Psalm 94:4 ASV). “….all… boasting is evil….” (James 4:16 NASB).

“… I AM HOLY…” (1 Peter 1:14-16 KJV).  “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV). God, the Holy Spirit, KNOWS who he is and does not NEED to promote himself, defend himself, or boast about himself.

God, the Holy Spirit’s, character, speech, and conduct SPEAK for themselves. “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). “….Let another praise you and not your own mouth; a stranger and not your own lips…” (Proverbs 27:1-2 ASV). He tells his people to conduct themselves “…not with eyeservice, [or]...as menpleasers…” (Colossians 3:22 KJV).

 Whether his people KNOW it or not God, the Holy Spirit LOVES them. He KNOWS there is no “…greater love has no one than [his HOLY, DEVOTED LOVE)...” (John 15:13 ASV). “……Christ also loved the church and gave himself up for her…”(Ephesians 5:25 ASV).

Boasting is not God’s style and it is not a part of his character. God will never seek his own interests at his people’s expense. “...But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men...” (Philippians 2:7 KJV).

God, the Holy Spirit, loves without the need to boast or selfish motives. ^“…just as [God through]...the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many…” (Matthew 20:28 ASV).

God’s love is not prideful, but humble. God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus said: “…I am gentle and humble ...IN HEART (displayed the spiritual fruit of gentleness and meekness)…” (Matthew 11:29 NIV).

“…[Jesus] ... made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. And being found in fashion as a man, he HUMBLED himself…” Philippians 2:6-8 KJV).

“…[Jesus] ...became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross…” Philippians 2:6-8 KJV).

God through Jesus Christ had ALL power,  and ALL sovereign rights and privileges. He could take advantage of those rights if he wanted to, but he didn’t.

He willfully and voluntarily decided not to use those sovereign rights and privileges, but instead humbled himself.   “...Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men...” Philippians 2:6-7 KJV). “…..nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done…” (Luke 22:42 KJV)

Jesus put aside ALL PRIDE and stayed humbly “…obedient unto death – even the death on a cross…” (Philippians 2:7 KJV).

“...For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV).

“...Love is ...not proud (prideful)...” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  And an attitude of pride “…is not from the Father [above]…” (1 John 2:16 ASV).

The bible warns “…not to think more highly of …[yourself] than [you]… ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment…” (Romans 12:3 ASV).

God says, “…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted…” (Luke 18:14 ASV). “...[God, the Holy Spirit’s DEVOTED, HOLY]...love is ...not [prideful]...” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  

God’s love is never rude, but polite or courteous. God treats those he loves with the utmost respect and dignity. “...Love ...does not dishonor others (is not rude)...” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  

Showing HONOR doesn’t depend on whether someone deserves it, earns it, or is worthy of it. God, himself, HONORS the DISHONORABLE. “…I have given you a title of honor …” (Isaiah 45:4 NLT).

WHY does God, the Holy Spirit, show honor to the dishonorable? God says: “…You are honored ...[simply because]... I love you…” (Isaiah 43:4 NLT).

The bible tells his people to “…honour ALL…” (1 Peter 2:17 KJV). HOW? “…love one another; as I (God, the Holy Spirit) have loved you…” (John 13:34-35 KJV). “…[Only]…fools display dishonor…” (Proverbs 3:35 NLT).

God always demonstrates good manners toward his people, even if they make mistakes, offend, or are rude toward Him. “…You are honored ...[simply because]... I love you…” (Isaiah 43:4 NLT). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

God’s love does not treat a person according to their wrongs towards Him. Instead of rudeness, God reacts with grace instead. “...Love ...does not dishonor others (is not rude)...” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  “…My GRACE is sufficient for you….” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

Even if God’s people do something that deserves a rude response, God’s grace will always direct him to treat his people with honor. “…There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…” (Romans 8:1 KJV). “…There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. ….” (John 3:18 NLT). “…Mercy triumphs over judgement.” (James 2:13 NASB).  “…If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).

One of God’s CORE, heartfelt characteristics of his divine nature is LOVE, which is laced with GRACE and HONOR for his people. God’s love language, to his people, is deeply, immutably considerate “...then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage...” (Philippians 2:2-6).

“...Love ...does not dishonor others (is not rude)...” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV).  “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB). HONOR is a characteristic of divine love. “…You are honored …. I love you (value you)…” (Isaiah 43:4 NLT). “…Love ...does not dishonor others….” (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 NIV). “…A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another…” (John 13:34-35 KJV). God’s people show honor to all people. “…honour ALL men (and women)…” (1 Peter 2:17 KJV).

God’s people are to show HONOR to their employers, employees, co-workers, husbands, wives, ex-husbands, ex-wives, friends, family, associates, enemies, the unforgiveable, the good, the bad, and the ugly. “…honour ALL…” (1 Peter 2:17 KJV).

HONOR is the action of the HEART’s empowered by the spiritual fruit of LOVE. “…[One of]...the fruit of the Spirit is love…” (Galatians 5:22-23 KJV). “...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart…”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). The “…hidden man of the heart…” (1 Peter 3:4 KJV). “...For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness…[disrespect, dishonor]...  All these evil things come from within, and defile a person.” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

The heart “…is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked…who can know it [except God?]…” (Jeremiah 17:9 KJV). God’s choice to HONOR his people, regardless, is about WHO HE is and therefore, doesn’t depend on whether they are honorable or not. “…God honors mankind [by choice]. …” (Psalms 37:34 NLT).

“..My … honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me…” (Psalms 62:7 NLT). “… Others were given in exchange for you. I traded their lives for yours because you are precious to me. You are honored, and I love you…” (Isaiah 43:4 NLT). “…I have given you a title of honor …” (Isaiah 45:4 NLT). “…The Lord has honored [his people], and ... has given [them]... strength…” (Isaiah 49:5 NLT). Therefore, the Word says; “…Sit in a place of honor…” (Isaiah 52:2 NLT).