When God Says “My Pleasure”: A Kindness Devotional

If you’ve ever walked into a day already feeling behind—hands full, heart tender, wondering if you’re a burden to anyone—you’re not alone. So many of us carry a quiet fear that we’re “too much” or “not enough,” even with God. But Scripture tells a different story.

In Ephesians 1, Paul reminds us of a life-changing truth: God delights in loving you. His kindness isn’t reluctant. His grace isn’t rationed. And His heart toward you is steady, warm, and intentional. This short devotional explores what it means that God says “my pleasure” when He pours out His kindness on His children—and why you can rest in His love today.

I pulled into Chick-fil-A to meet my husband for lunch with our two-month-old. I’m a bit of a homebody, especially postpartum, so it felt like a big deal to get out of the house with the baby. But my husband knew chicken nuggets would be a strongly motivating factor and he wasn’t wrong. 

“Do you want a drink carrier?” the cashier asked me. 

“Oh yes please” I replied, my hands filled with baby carrier, pacifier, phone, and other baby paraphernalia. 

“Oh and let me wipe up these cups for you, we don’t want them to be sticky.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it.”

“Of course, honey, it’s my pleasure,” she answered. 

I know they have to say “my pleasure” at the Chick-fil-A counter; it would be weird if they didn’t. But this one felt intentionally personal. Maybe it was the way the woman held my eyes a moment longer or the kindness of her smile. 

Her “my pleasure” helped me not feel like a bother. In a tender season, her simple reply made me feel seen and cared for, welcome and helped. 

RELATED: GOD IS SINGING OVER YOUR CHAOS, MAMA

When God Says “My Pleasure”

Did you know God says “my pleasure” too? Ephesians 1:5 tells us, 

“God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure.” (NLT‬‬)

Paul is reminding the Ephesian church of God’s amazing love and purposeful plan for them. The biggest part of that plan being their salvation and inclusion in the family of God. 

I’m not an adoptive parent, but I’ve seen friends go through the adoption process. It is painstakingly slow and incredibly meticulous. There is paperwork upon paperwork, intensive interviews, and a multitude of hoops to jump through. While a “surprise pregnancy” is not uncommon, a surprise adoption is unheard of. 

But each costly and meticulously planned step in the adoption journey is a joy because it draws the adoptive parents one day closer to having their child home. In the same way, God had a long-range plan to rescue us from sin, and even better, to bring us into His family. He doesn’t do it out of obligation or pity, but because it’s His absolute pleasure. 

There’s nothing He wants more. 

God’s Kindness Toward You Is Intentional

God loving you isn’t a mistake or an accident. His love is intentional, yet unforced. It is His pleasure to love you and be in a relationship with you. You aren’t a bother or a burden.

Paul goes on to say,  

So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. -Ephesians 1:6-8

If, like me, you grew up with the idea of God being constantly disappointed or even angry with you—this can be hard to get our minds around. Take a moment to slowly re-read that Scripture passage, maybe even out loud.

Grace-giving is a pleasure for God.

There is no end to His kindness. Chick-fil-A isn’t running out of waffle fries and He’s not running out of good things–kindness, wisdom, understanding, grace–to pour out on His kids. 

He’s the good Father watching and waiting for us lost daughters to come home, with a celebration waiting in the wings. We get to simply receive His gift with open arms and give thanks for it. 

And each time we say “Thank you” we can hear His tender reply, “My pleasure.” 

RELATED READING: 15 INSPIRING BIBLE VERSES ABOUT KINDNESS

How to Rest in God’s Kindness Today

Read These Verses Out Loud

Take your time and soak in the words of Scripture. Read it in a different translation or two.

So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. -Ephesians 1:6-8

Thank God for His Pleasure in Loving You

Our thanksgiving is such a small gift in return for what Christ has given us. Scripture shows us that God asks and appreciates our joyful thanksgiving.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name. -Psalm 100:4

All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. –2 Corinthians 4:15

Remember: You’re Never a Bother to Him

God’s heart toward you is the heart of a beloved Parent. When you feel frustrated with yourself, your two-steps-forward-one-step-back progress in Christlikeness, remember it is “God who is working in you” (Philippians 2:13) and He isn’t bothered by your pace.