In order to fulfill the purpose intended by the essence of his love, God
created human beings in his own image and likeness—characteristics
with which he could forge a partnership.
Divine love constantly aims to forge a partnership with us, as is clear
from the Lord’s saying that he wants to be one with people, he in them
and they in him, and he wants the love of God to be in them (John 17 : 21 ,
22 , 23 , 26 ).
[ 4 ] The third essential of God’s love, his blessing others from himself,is
recognizable in eternal life, which is the unending blessedness, good for-
tune, and happiness that God gives to those who let his love in. As God
is love itself, he is also blessedness itself; and as every love exudes pleas-
ure, so divine love eternally exudes blessedness itself, good fortune itself,
and happiness itself. God gives these blessings to angels and people after
death through his partnership with them.
The true nature of divine love is recognizable from its sphere, which 44
pervades the universe and affects each of us in different ways depending
on our state. That sphere of divine love has a special influence on parents.
Because of it, they tenderly love their children (who are outside them-
selves), they want to be one with them, and they want to bless them from
themselves. The sphere of divine love affects not only the good but also
the evil, and not only people but also animals and birds of every kind.
Surely in the course of giving birth every mother’s only thought is of
bonding with and caring for her offspring. Every bird hatching chicks
from eggs thinks only of cherishing them under her wings and putting
food in their mouths with kisses. Even poisonous snakes and vipers love
their offspring, as is commonly known.
This universal sphere has a special influence on those who let God’s
love in—those who believe in God and love their neighbor. The goodwill
that is in them is an image of God’s love.
Even among people who are not good, friendship emulates this love.
At her or his own table, the host will give the guest the better food.
Friends will kiss, hug, and join hands, and promise each other help and
support. This love is also the sole origin of alliances and the tendency for
like-minded and compatible people to form partnerships.
Even in inanimate things like trees and plants that same divine
sphere is at work, although in this case it operates through the sun in this
world, and its heat and light. Heat comes from the outside into trees and
plants and becomes a part of them, causing them to sprout and then
§44 god the creator & creation 63