HaShem's Wondrous Love of Man \ Pirkei Avot
"Rabbi Akiva said, 'Beloved is man (to HaShem), for he was created in G-d's likeness. An additional dimension of HaShem's love for man is revealed through HaShem making known to man that he was created in His likeness, as the verse says, 'For in the likeness of HaShem He made man.'" (Pirkei Avot 3:18)
Rabbi Akiva reveals two primary aspects of HaShem's love for humankind. (1) Beloved is man (to HaShem) for he was created in G-d's likeness, and (2) an even greater dimension of love is that HaShem made known to man that he was created in His image. Could anything be sweeter than knowing that HaShem loves us inherently and unconditionally?
Let us engrave the awareness of HaShem's wondrous love for us upon our hearts. The vivid consciousness of HaShem's love for us is the defining factor of our self-worth. We should not lose sight for a moment of the revelation of our preciousness in HaShem' eyes.
We endeavor to love ourselves with the same enormous measure of love that HaShem showers upon us. The love that HaShem holds for man surpasses the love that HaShem has for all His other creations!
The knowledge of the unbounded love that HaShem has for us empowers us with the will to realize our true spiritual essence. What's more, it inspires us to attain completeness. We recognize our incredible potential by "walking in His ways" of compassion, kindness, and goodness.
May we merit to bring honor to HaShem, as our Sages taught regarding HaShem's praise of man: "Look at the wonderful creation that I have made!"
There is no joy like attaining completeness and earning the admiration of HaShem!
(Based on Ohr HaZafon of Rabbi Nosson Zvi Finkel)
