What is the nature of God's love according to Scripture?

Scripture reveals that God's love operates not by human standards but through His sovereign will. In Deuteronomy 7:7-8, we see that God did not choose Israel because of their greatness but simply because He loved them, demonstrating that His love is grounded in His own purposes and not in human merit. This notion is echoed throughout the Bible, where God’s love is described as unchanging. In Malachi 3:6, God states, 'I change not; therefore, ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.' Such declarations underscore that His love is an eternal covenantal commitment to His people, intimately tied to His character as a loving and merciful God who lavishes grace upon those undeserving. This creates an assurance for believers, fostering a deep, abiding relationship with God.