so.... i was reading one of my dusty old theology books
rolleyes
and came across this gem from Martin Luther:
"The love of God does not find but creates that which is pleasing to it. The love of God loves sinners, evil persons, fools, weakings in order to make them righteous, good, wise, strong. For rather than seeking its own good, the love of God flows forth and bestows good. Therefore, sinners are attractive because they are loved; they are not loved because they are attractive."