How do we know God loves us before we seek Him?

The concept of God's love preceding our own is beautifully illustrated in Genesis 42:8, where Joseph knew his brothers before they recognized him. This reflects God's divine choice to love and save His people, as stated in Ephesians 1, where we are reminded that God chose us in Christ before the creation of the world. His love is not contingent on our seeking Him; rather, He initiates the relationship, calling us out of our sin and drawing us to Himself. Understanding this profound love instills gratitude and compels us to respond in faith and obedience.