Who’s Got Your Back? Understanding Hashem’s Love

One of the most important foundations of faith is knowing and believing that Hashem’s love for us is limitless and unconditional. Every day, we remind ourselves of this truth when we say, “With an everlasting love, You have loved us, Hashem our God.”

This phrase is placed intentionally before the commandment to love Hashem “with all your heart and soul.” First, we are taught to internalize Hashem’s love for us. Only then can we truly fulfill the mitzvah of loving Him in return. When a person deeply believes they are loved, it becomes possible to respond with love.

Without this belief, loving Hashem is extremely difficult. If someone feels rejected or disliked by Him, their relationship with faith weakens. Understanding that Hashem’s love never changes, even in times of difficulty, allows a person to remain connected and committed.

Loving Hashem Even in Difficult Times

The Torah commands us to love Hashem “with all your heart, soul, and might,” meaning in every situation, including hardship. This commandment can only be fulfilled when we accept that everything Hashem gives us, even moments of strict judgment, comes from love and concern for our ultimate good.

For this reason, the mitzvah of loving Hashem is deeply tied to faith in His love for us. When a person believes that hardship is not punishment but guidance, love can exist even in pain.

Why This Belief Is So Challenging

Accepting this idea is not easy. Human nature and life experience often cause us to doubt when faced with suffering. Yet our tradition repeatedly emphasizes that Hashem’s love for Israel never disappears, even when we stumble, fail, or distance ourselves.

This truth is essential, especially in challenging times.

Affliction and Preparation Before Redemption

Our sages describe the period before the coming of Mashiach as the “footsteps of the Messiah,” a time marked by difficulty and confusion. They teach that hardship during this era is not random, but part of a process of preparation and purification.

Some teachings suggest that enduring struggle and hiddenness is itself a sign of belonging, shaping us to be worthy of redemption.

The Chida explains that financial hardship and personal suffering humble a person, helping them recognize that everything they have comes from Hashem. Poverty, in particular, strips away false security and strengthens reliance on Him, making a person more spiritually receptive.

Hashem Always Welcomes Return

The Midrash recounts a moment when elders questioned the prophet Ezekiel, suggesting that exile meant freedom from responsibility to Hashem. Hashem’s response made one thing clear: the Shechina never abandons His people.

Our sages teach that no matter how far a person has fallen, Hashem’s hand is always extended to those who wish to return sincerely. Repentance is never rejected.

The Illusion of Being Abandoned

There are moments when a person feels that Hashem has left them, as if Zion has been forgotten. But this feeling comes from despair, not truth. The reality is that Hashem never distances Himself from His people, and no state of spiritual ruin is beyond repair.

Believing that Hashem has abandoned sinners is one of the greatest falsehoods. Recognizing our constant connection to Him brings deep comfort and joy, reminding us that we are never alone.

Healing Through Torah and Prayer

After failure, people often fall into discouragement, believing their efforts are worthless. Torah learning and prayer are powerful remedies against this mindset.

Studying Torah restores joy and clarity, while prayer reaffirms Hashem’s closeness. Together, they help a person understand that spiritual growth is always possible and that every step forward matters.

What True Love Looks Like

When we reflect honestly, we see that even human love often comes with expectations. Parents, teachers, and friends naturally hope for something in return.

Hashem’s love is different. It is entirely for our benefit, without self-interest.

A well-known story illustrates this idea. Rabbi Chaim of Sanz, famous for his generosity, once gave his coat to a poor man on a freezing day. Moments later, he ran after him to give additional money. He realized that his initial act was partly motivated by his own discomfort at seeing the man suffer, not purely for the man’s sake.

True, selfless love is rare among people. Hashem’s love, however, is completely selfless. He gains nothing from us. Creation, the mitzvot, and all divine guidance exist solely for our benefit.

A Love That Never Diminishes

Everything in creation is designed to bestow good upon us and help us grow. Hashem’s love does not weaken when we fail, struggle, or fall. It remains complete and eternal.

No matter where we are in life, His love is always present, guiding us patiently toward wholeness and redemption.