Long before the world was made, long before there were creatures to love, the Godhead was already giving and receiving love. Jesus’ prayer reveals this.
Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world (John 17:24).
Love always flows between the Father and His Son. When the Son arrives on the earth, the Father proudly affirms: “You are my beloved Son!” (Mark 1:11). The Father’s voice reaffirms this love in Mark 9:7, and echoes again in letters to Christians (Ephesians 1:6; Colossians 1:13; 2 Peter 1:17).
Love’s nature is to reach out and include others. From eternity, therefore, God wanted us.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son” (John 3:16).2
…even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will…(Ephesians 1:4-5).