In today’s social media–driven world, people are deeply influenced by the “like” symbol. A single tap can affirm or ignore a post, and often even a person. According to a 2024 report by Gitnux, 60% of social media users say it negatively impacts their self-esteem, and 63% report feeling miserable after comparing themselves to others online. This is a sobering reminder of how digital life can quietly erode our sense of God-given worth (Source: Gitnux, “Social Media Self-Esteem Statistics,” 2024). By the world’s standards, the like button has become a virtual measure of worth, and even Christians can fall into the trap of needing constant validation, which may subtly seep into our walk with God. We may even wonder: Would God “like” me if I were a post?
 
Scripture offers a clear, literal answer. It doesn’t just say that God loves us; it shows that He delights in us, rejoices over us and invites us into intimate relationship. But a deeper question remains: Does God love us because He has to or does He actually like us? This lesson explores how Scripture reveals God’s affection, joy and pleasure in His people and affirms 10 truths that declare: Yes, God truly likes you.

1. You Were Created Intentionally and Joyfully.

God formed you with purpose and delight—not by accident.

Psalm 139:13–14 (NASB): “For You formed my inward parts;
You wove me in my mother’s womb.
I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
Wonderful are Your works,
And my soul knows it very well.”

Explanation: God was not a distant observer at your beginning; He was the active artist and creator. The language David uses is intimate: “You wove me.” This is not clinical biology—it’s divine craftsmanship. You weren’t mass-produced; you were intricately formed and uniquely created. Being “fearfully and wonderfully made” means your creation inspired awe—even in Heaven. You are not an accident of nature or a product of randomness. You are a living expression of God’s creative joy.

Jeremiah 1:5 (NASB): “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
And before you were born I consecrated you;
I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Explanation: God doesn’t just react to our existence; He initiates it with foreknowledge and purpose. Jeremiah wasn’t merely a child born into history; he was a life appointed by God. And while the calling of prophet is unique, the principle applies to all: before you were formed, God already had you in his heart. He set you apart before you ever took a breath. You were never “just another life.” You were known, consecrated and destined with divine intent.

Ephesians 2:10 (NASB): “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”

Explanation: The Greek word for “workmanship” is poiēma—where we get the word “poem.” You are God’s creative expression, a unique design with a calling that fits you perfectly. Your life has prepared purpose; not only do you have value, but there are good works God handcrafted for you to walk in. It means you matter, and what you do matters. Your existence was joyfully planned, and your path is not aimless.

Summary Truth: God didn’t just allow your life; He carefully designed it. He saw you before anyone else did, formed you with joy and created a path that only you can walk. That is more than love—that’s divine delight.

2. God Calls You His Friend.

Beyond salvation, God invites you into intimate friendship.

John 15:15 (NASB): “No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing;
but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.”

Explanation: Jesus intentionally shifts the relationship from one of authority and distance to personal friendship. Slaves obey without insight, but friends share hearts and knowledge. Jesus calls you “friend,” not out of obligation, but out of deep, intentional closeness. He entrusts you with the secrets of heaven—the knowledge He receives from the Father. Friendship with God isn’t cold or distant; it’s warm, transparent and based on trust. You are invited to walk alongside Him as a cherished companion, not just a follower.

Exodus 33:11 (NASB): “Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend.”

Explanation: This Old Testament picture shows God’s desire for intimate, honest communication. “Face to face” means direct, unfiltered fellowship. The phrase “just as a man speaks to his friend” reveals how highly God values openness and genuine relationship. Moses wasn’t kept at arm’s length; he enjoyed a friendship with God marked by candidness and heartfelt dialogue. This same invitation stands for you today: God wants to be close enough to hear your voice and share His heart.

James 2:23 (NASB): “And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, ‘And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,’ and he was called the friend of God.”

Explanation: Faith is the foundation for friendship with God. Abraham’s belief was more than intellectual assent—it was trust that shaped his entire life and relationship with God. Because of his faith, he was called “the friend of God.” Friendship with God doesn’t depend on perfect performance or status; it depends on trust and loyalty. When you place your faith in Him, you move from being merely saved to being His friend, sharing in a special relationship.

Summary Truth: God doesn’t see you as a servant to obey from afar—He calls you friend. Through faith, you enter a relationship marked by trust, openness and intimacy with the Creator of the universe.

3. He Takes Pleasure in His People.

God doesn’t simply accept you—you truly bring Him joy.

Psalm 149:4 (NASB): “For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.”

Explanation: God’s pleasure is not grudging or distant—it’s active and personal. The words “takes pleasure” mean He genuinely delights in those who belong to Him. Salvation isn’t just a legal transaction; it’s a costly gift that brings God joy as He “beautifies us with salvation.” You aren’t a burden or a duty; you are the source of His delight. Your humility and surrender aren’t overlooked; they are treasured by God.

Proverbs 11:20 (NASB): “The perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord,
But the blameless in their walk are His delight.”

Explanation: God’s pleasure depends on your heart’s posture. A “perverse” or crooked heart grieves Him, but a sincere, blameless life pleases Him deeply. “Delight” here implies joy and satisfaction. Walking blamelessly doesn’t mean perfection, but a heart committed to God’s ways. When your life reflects integrity and faith, you become a source of joy to the Lord—not out of obligation but out of love.

Isaiah 62:4 (NASB): “It will no longer be said to you, ‘Forsaken,’
Nor to your land will it any longer be said, ‘Desolate;’
But you will be called, ‘My delight is in her,’
And your land, ‘Married;’
For the Lord delights in you,
And to Him your land will be married.”

Explanation: God’s delight is not just individual but relational and communal. To be called “My delight is in her” is a profound expression of affectionate ownership. This passage uses marriage imagery to show the depth of God’s love and pleasure in His people. It reminds you that you are not forgotten or forsaken; you are the object of God’s delight and cherished as a beloved bride. This is a personal and eternal commitment to treasure you.

Summary Truth: You don’t merely exist for God to tolerate—you actively bring Him joy. Your sincere faith and humble heart are a delight to Him, reflecting a deep and affectionate relationship.

4. He Rejoices Over You with Singing.

God’s love for you is expressive, even celebratory.

Zephaniah 3:17 (NASB): “The Lord your God is in your midst,
A victorious warrior.
He will exult over you with joy,
He will be quiet in His love,
He will rejoice over you with shouts of joy.”

Explanation: God is not a distant, silent deity—He is actively present (“in your midst”) and a “victorious warrior” fighting for you. This verse reveals that God expresses His love with audible joy; He “exults” and rejoices “with shouts.” Imagine the Creator of the universe singing over you like a parent over a child! His love is not just passive but overflowing with celebration. This shows the depth of His personal affection and care for your life.

Isaiah 62:5 (NASB): “For as a young man marries a virgin,
So your sons will marry you;
And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
So your God will rejoice over you.”

Explanation: This verse uses the intimate picture of a bridegroom’s joy over his bride to illustrate God’s delight in you. The joy of a groom on his wedding day is passionate, tender and full of promise—this is the kind of rejoicing God has toward His people. You inspire His happiness and He expresses it openly. Your life is not only loved but celebrated with enthusiasm and affection.

Summary Truth: God’s love isn’t quiet or hidden—it’s expressed in joyful celebration! He sings and rejoices over you like a loving parent or a groom over his bride. You inspire heavenly joy just by being His.

5. Jesus Welcomed the Overlooked.

Jesus reached out to those society ignored; He welcomes you as you are.

Mark 10:14–16 (NASB): “But when Jesus saw this, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’ And He took them in His arms and began blessing them, laying His hands on them.”

Explanation: Jesus’ reaction to the disciples’ attempt to turn away children shows His deep compassion for those whom society often overlooks. Children, considered insignificant or powerless by many, are embraced fully by Jesus. He not only welcomes them but takes them into His arms and blesses them, demonstrating tender care and acceptance. If Jesus welcomes children so warmly, it means He also welcomes you—even if you feel overlooked or unimportant to the world.

Luke 19:5 (NASB): “When Jesus came to the place, He looked up and said to him, ‘Zaccheus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.’”

Explanation: Zaccheus was a despised tax collector, shunned by society for collaborating with Rome and for his greed. Being small of stature, Zaccheus might have been literally overlooked. Yet Jesus intentionally sought him out and invited Himself to Zaccheus’ home. This shows Jesus values every individual, regardless of reputation, past mistakes or appearance. His invitation is personal and deliberate—He desires relationship with you, no matter your background.

Luke 7:37–39 (NASB): "And there was a woman in the city who was a sinner; and when she learned that He was reclining at the table in the Pharisee’s house, she brought an alabaster vial of perfume, and standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head, and began kissing His feet and anointing them with the perfume. Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said to himself, 'If this man were a prophet He would know who and what sort of person this woman is who is touching Him, that she is a sinner!'”

Explanation: This woman’s past was marked by sin and societal judgment, yet Jesus did not reject her. Instead, He welcomed her presence, noticing her heart and repentance over societal condemnation. Jesus looked beyond reputation and saw her genuine faith and love. His acceptance of her reminds you that He doesn’t hold your past against you but treasures your heart’s turning toward Him.

Summary Truth: Jesus seeks and welcomes you, especially if you feel overlooked, rejected or unworthy. His love breaks through society’s labels, offering acceptance and relationship.

6. The Holy Spirit Dwells in You Willingly.

The Spirit doesn’t dwell with you from compulsion—He chooses to.

1 Corinthians 6:19 (NASB): “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?”

Explanation: Your body isn’t just a vessel; it’s a sacred temple where the Holy Spirit chooses to reside. This is not by accident or force, but by God’s deliberate design. The Spirit’s presence signifies God’s approval and delight in you personally. You belong to God, and His Spirit living in you is proof of His ongoing, willing relationship with you.

Romans 8:9 (NASB): “However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”

Explanation: Having the Spirit of God living in you distinguishes believers and confirms your identity in Christ. It is a mark of belonging—not a burden but a blessing. The Spirit’s presence empowers you to live according to God’s purposes and affirms that God delights to dwell within you, guiding and strengthening your daily walk.

John 14:16–17 (NASB): “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever; that is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, but you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.”

Explanation: Jesus promises the Spirit as a Helper who will be with you forever—not reluctantly, but by choice. The Spirit is personal, relational and eternal. His abiding presence in your life is God’s ongoing expression of love and care. In fact, the Holy Spirit is our guarantee that we will be in this loving relationship for all eternity (2 Corinthians 1:22, 5:5, Ephesians 1:13-14). You are never alone; God’s Spirit lives in you now and forever, fully willing and eager to guide and comfort.

Summary Truth: The Holy Spirit chooses to live in you, making your body His temple. His presence confirms your belonging and God’s personal delight in you.

7. God Desires Relationship, Not Just Obedience. 

God’s longing isn’t for ritual—it’s for your heart.

Hosea 6:6 (NASB): “For I delight in loyalty rather than sacrifice,
And in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”

Explanation: God’s focus is not on empty religious rituals or sacrifices but on genuine loyalty—faithfulness and heartfelt devotion. “Loyalty” here means steadfast love and commitment, not mere external obedience. God desires that you know Him intimately and live in constant relationship, rather than going through the motions of religion without true connection.

Micah 6:8 (NASB): “He has told you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?”

Explanation: True obedience flows from a humble, loving walk with God. This verse shows that God’s requirements are relational and ethical: justice, kindness and humility. God doesn’t want legalistic rule-following; He wants you to walk closely with Him, letting love guide your actions and your heart.

Deuteronomy 6:5 (NASB): “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
and with all your soul and with all your might.”

Explanation: Love is the greatest commandment. God’s highest desire is that your entire being—heart, soul and strength—be devoted to Him. This goes beyond duty; it’s about passionate, wholehearted love. When your relationship with God is rooted in love, obedience becomes a joyful expression of that love, not a burdensome task.

Summary Truth: God wants your heart and devotion, not just your actions. Relationship with Him matters more than ritual, and love is the foundation of true obedience.

8. Your Prayers Delight Him. 

Your prayers aren’t burdensome; they’re beloved.

Proverbs 15:8 (NASB): “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord,
But the prayer of the upright is His delight.”

Explanation: God does not delight in meaningless offerings or prayers from hearts that are far from Him. But when you come before Him in sincerity and righteousness, your prayers bring Him joy. Your honest communication with God is precious to Him—it is not just routine or obligation, but a source of delight.

Revelation 5:8 (NASB): “When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.”

Explanation: This vivid picture shows that your prayers are like fragrant incense, presented before God’s throne in heaven. They are sacred and powerful, honored by angels and elders alike. Your voice in prayer reaches God’s very presence and is part of the heavenly worship, demonstrating how highly God values your communication with Him.

Psalm 34:15 (NASB): “The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous
And His ears are open to their cry.”

Explanation: God is attentively watching and listening to your prayers. He is not distant or indifferent; rather, He carefully observes and hears your cries. This assures you that your prayers matter deeply, and God delights in responding to His people’s needs and praises.

Summary Truth: Your prayers bring joy to God. They are treasured offerings that connect you intimately with Him and move heaven itself.

9. You Bear the Image of God. 

You carry His likeness—and that’s a mark of value.

Genesis 1:27 (NASB): “God created man in His own image,
In the image of God He created him; Male and female He created them.”

Explanation: You are not a random creation; you were intentionally made to reflect God’s own nature and character. Bearing God’s image means you have intrinsic value, dignity and purpose. This likeness is the foundation of your worth and shapes how God views you—not as a mistake or afterthought, but as His masterpiece.

James 3:9 (NASB): “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God.”

Explanation: Because every human being carries God’s image, how we treat others matters deeply. To curse or harm another person is to dishonor God’s likeness. Recognizing God’s image in you means God cherishes and respects you, expecting others to do the same. Your value is not dependent on performance but on this divine imprint.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NASB): “But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”

Explanation: Not only were you created in God’s image, but God is actively shaping you to reflect Jesus, His Son’s character (Ephesians 4:13,15), revealing more of His glory every day. This transformation is ongoing and powered by the Holy Spirit. It reveals how deeply God is invested in you—He delights in seeing His character formed in you as you grow closer to Him.

Summary Truth: You are made in God’s image, carrying inherent value and dignity. God treasures that likeness and is continually shaping you to reflect His glory.

10. Jesus Personally Loves and Died for You. 

God’s love for you is personal, intentional and sacrificial.

Galatians 2:20 (NASB): “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

Explanation: Paul’s words “for me” are deeply personal. This isn’t a generic or distant love; it is a direct, individual love that Jesus has for you. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was done out of love for you personally, securing your redemption. This intimate love invites you into a life lived by faith in Him every day.

John 10:14–15 (NASB): “I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.”

Explanation: Jesus knows your name. Paul states this in Galatians 4:9, ^“But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God…” His relationship with you is as close and personal as a shepherd knows each sheep. He willingly gave His life for you, demonstrating the depth of His care and affection. You are not forgotten or overlooked; you are deeply known and loved.

Isaiah 53:11 (NASB): “As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it and be satisfied;
By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will justify the many,
As He will bear their iniquities.”

Explanation: Jesus’ sacrifice was not abstract or impersonal. He bore your sins personally, carrying your iniquities on the cross. His anguish was for you, and in doing so, He satisfied the justice of God so you can be justified and forgiven. This verse reveals the profound personal cost and love behind your salvation.

Summary Truth: Jesus loves you personally and sacrificially. His death was an intimate act of love for you, inviting you into a lifelong relationship of faith and fellowship.