What does God say first when He speaks to His people? Before any correction, before any challenge, God opens the Book of Malachi with three words: 'I have loved you.' This message explores what that declaration means, why Israel questioned it, and how God's answer speaks directly to anyone who has ever wondered whether God still loves them. The Book of Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament, written after the Babylonian exile during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. It is structured around six conversations between God and the people of Judah, with 47 of its 55 verses written in first person. God is speaking directly to His church, and the very first thing He says is a statement of love. In this message, we explore three dimensions of God's love drawn from Malachi chapter one. God chose His people in the past, not because of their performance or worthiness, but because of His sovereign grace. He is actively caring for them in the present, even when circumstances make it hard to see. And He promises a future moment of clarity when His faithfulness will be undeniable. We also look at how the entire book of Malachi points forward to Jesus Christ. The messenger God promised in Malachi 3:1 was John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the Messiah. The fulfillment of every promise in Malachi is found in the Gospels, in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. John 3:16 stands as the ultimate answer to Israel's question: 'How have you loved us?' Topics covered include the love of God, sovereign grace, the Book of Malachi, Old Testament prophecy, the nature of God's faithfulness, Jacob and Esau, the Babylonian exile, John the Baptist, and the connection between the Old and New Testaments. Whether you are walking through a season of doubt, struggling to see God's hand in your circumstances, or simply wanting to go deeper in your understanding of Scripture, this message is for you. God's love is not based on your performance. It is based on His promise. And there will never be a time when He stops loving you. Keywords: Book of Malachi, God's love, Old Testament, sovereign grace, Jacob and Esau, Babylonian exile, John the Baptist, Malachi sermon, does God love me, God's faithfulness, Bible study, Christian sermon, Old Testament prophecy, Jesus Christ, Romans 5:8, John 3:16, church sermon, faith and doubt, God's promises, expository preaching