God named the first man Adam, a word that simply means “man” (verses 19, 20). And to complete His act of creating people in His image, God made the first woman, called Eve, which means “living” (verses 18-25; 3:20). A loving Creator saw the need for human companionship.

Fresh from the hand of God, Adam and Eve both reflected His image. The Almighty could have programmed beings to wander contentedly about the Garden of Eden and raise their hands in adoration on cue. He could have created actors to play flawless parts for Him. But God wanted more: real relationships. Animals can make nice house pets, but they can’t carry on a stimulating conversation. Robots can smile, speak courteously, and even do the dishes, but they can’t love.

That’s why God made people. He could have given us no greater honor than to create us in His image, with the capacity to think and decide, to choose and remember, to understand and love. Adam and Eve were the crown of God’s creation. They were His children, and therefore inexpressibly dear to Him.