In the beginning, God created Adam and placed him in the Garden of Eden. Later, He saw that Adam needed a companion, so He created Eve from Adam’s side to be his perfect helper. The Jews reading the Torah would understand that the name Adam represents not just a man, but all of humanity. Similarly, the name Eve means life. Thus, in the garden, God placed humanity and life—the most important parts of His creation. 

They were made in His image and given the ability to choose how they related to Him and to the world around them. Their choice cost the world a lot. However, without the forbidden tree and the choice to eat from it, God’s love for Adam and Eve wouldn’t have been as strong. If they couldn’t choose to turn away from Him, then the love between humanity and God wouldn’t be a gift. Instead, it would feel like an obligation, done only out of fear.

My friend, there is no fear in love because love is freedom. It’s important to remember that when you chose Jesus, you inherited the priceless gift of being truly accepted, regardless of your performance. Even better, you can extend the grace, compassion, and big-hearted goodness of your Savior to others as it overflows from within your soul. Knowing that you’ve been welcomed by the Beloved, you have liberty to love others with the same freedom that’s been entrusted to you!