Love is the golden chain that connects the Old and New Testaments. God chose the people of Israel - just as he chooses us - not because of any outstanding deeds or particular holiness. God chose them because of his love for them and he promised to remain faithful to them forever. Even when his people fail he remains with them. God never lets his people down - not then, not now, not ever.

The 'wise and intelligent' people of our world debate the existence of God or whether we can know God. Jesus rejoices that the secret has been revealed to quite ordinary people. We experience and know God through love. Love is not sentiment or romance but compassion and kindness, even to enemies or difficult people. We cannot buy, reason, or manipulate our way to God - we can only love our way to God. Those who love sincerely and unselfishly have already been born of God and know him - for a very simple reason. God is love. This is the gentle, easy, yoke that Jesus promises to those who come to him. It is not a promise of an easy life - but the joy and the strength that comes from loving others and knowing God. If we would like to experience the presence of God in a deeper, richer, way the solution is clear: begin loving those around you each day.