Do I feel loved by God?

We're studying the Book of Malachi in our Sunday school class. Jonathan, our teacher, asked whether we feel that God loves us, with reference to Mal 1:1-5 (NASB). And I got stuck right there.

I know the Scripture tells us that God loves us. Jonathan's question wasn't about knowing it but feeling it. I recall countless occasions how God's been so good to me: He guides when I get lost in lfe; He waits and readily listens like a friend when I need to talk to Him; He provides like a father; He saves me and forgives me sin ....

But that's not the same to say "God's good to me" as to say "God loves me." Saying "My boss's good to me" is definitely not the same as saying "my boss loves me." I say "my friend's good to me" but I can't necessarily say that my friend loves me. Do I feel God's good to me or do I feel loved by God?

Someone once used an analogy of tending a plant to help me "see" motherly love. It's like a person who grows a plant. She not only takes care of it by watering it, getting rid of bugs & insects, trimming it, making sure it has the right amount of sun; but she also looks at and admires it, and takes joy in its growth.

What I can think of are two Chinese words "上心 " - God clearly has me in His mind and Heart. He always does. He doesn't keep a distance when He sends help. He participates by giving His life. He watches. He cares. He grieves. He suffers. He disciplines. He rejoices. His object is me.

I'm not stuck anymore. Dear God, thank you for loving me.