Particularly in the Old Testament, God’s election is associated with his love (Deuteronomy 4:37; Deuteronomy 7:7–8; Deuteronomy 10:15; Psalm 47:4; Psalm 78:68; Isaiah 42:1; Matthew 12:18; Romans 11:28; Ephesians 1:4; Colossians 3:12). Election is not a mere arbitrary choice but an expression of God’s love, goodness, and mercy.
4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,