Dieter F. Uchtdorf on God's love for us

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf (1940- ) served as a Seventy from 1994-2004, when he was called as a member of the Quorum of Twelve.  He has served as second counselor in the First Presidency since 2008.

"Think of the purest, most all-consuming love you can imagine. Now multiply that love by an infinite amount—that is the measure of God's love for you (see Isaiah 54:10; Jeremiah 31:3).

"God does not look on the outward appearance (see 1 Samuel 16:7). I believe that He doesn't care one bit if we live in a castle or a cottage, if we are handsome or homely, if we are famous or forgotten. Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God's love encompasses us completely.

"He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love. We are important to God not because of our résumé but because we are His children. He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken. God's love is so great that He loves even the proud, the selfish, the arrogant, and the wicked.

"What this means is that, regardless of our current state, there is hope for us. No matter our distress, no matter our sorrow, no matter our mistakes, our infinitely compassionate Heavenly Father desires that we draw near to Him so that He can draw near to us (see D&C 88:63)."

- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Love of God," Ensign, Nov. 2009, pp. 21-24
Click here to read the full talk

This was a very thought-provoking talk for me.  When, and how, and why does God love me? What does that mean to me; how should I respond if I really believe it?

This speaks to the profound depth and strength of God's love for His children. It's a beautiful expression of what we believe to be infinite love.

Pres. Uchtdorf then reminds us how God loves us. It isn't because of any outward appearance, public acclaim, or physical characteristic.

And then a further insight into why God loves us. "He loves us because He is filled with an infinite measure of holy, pure, and indescribable love." It's not necessarily because we are lovable (though He knows the inner soul and deep potential of each one, where there are truly things to love).  But it's because He is so filled with infinite love. That's an interesting concept. Can we begin follow that example in our lives?

And this is the great, hopeful, hope-filled summary of the message for each of us: