There is a famous saying: “Save the best for last.” This probably comes from the well-known expression in Hebrew “אחרון אחרון חביב,” literally, “last, last is beloved.” This is quoted in Rashi (Breishis 33:2) from a Breishis Rabba (78:8) which discusses the reason for the order in which Yaakov presented his family to Esav. He first had Bilhah, Zilpah, and their children in a line. Then came Leah and her children, and last was Rochel and Yosef. Rochel was known, as mentioned in the Torah, to be Yaakov’s most beloved wife, and Yosef the closest of his sons, who Yaakov cherished, got close with, nurtured, and gave over all his wisdom to, more than to any of his other sons. (Whatever that truly means, because the differences in giving attention were subtle, though noticeable).
On the other hand, the Torah begins with The Creation in the parsha of Breishis.
In fact, we find in the Pirkey DiRebbe Eliezer (perek 3) that seven things were created before the world was created: (1) Torah, (2) Gehinnom, (3) Gan Eden, (4) Kisei Hakavod (The Holy Throne of Hashem), (5) Beis Hamikdash, (6) Teshuva (repentance), (7) and the name of moshiach. The Beur Maspik (also know as Toras Habayis) proclaims that the fact that these were created before the creation of the world shows that they are more beloved before Hashem, above everything else. This seems to be a contradiction to the famous axiom quoted above. However, we must say, at least taking it at face value, that things in the beginning or at the end are most beloved. (Click here for Hebrew text.)
In any event, we have to realize and appreciate these seven things that are so beloved by Hashem, for if they are beloved by Him, then they should be beloved and cherished by us, Hashem’s children and servants, as well. What is showing love? It is showing an interest, curiosity, and care for what you love. It is cherished, on your mind constantly, you are attentive to it, dedicated, and yearning for what you love. These feelings make sense and should be felt for the Torah, the Beis Hamikdash, repentance, the Holy Throne of Hashem, Gan Eden, and even the name of Moshiach. All of these things represent the greatness of Hashem and the relationship that man can achieve with Hashem, which is the whole purpose of creation. Even Gehinnom is most beloved by Hashem, but not because He is cruel; maybe because Gehinnom is the means to purify the blemished soul so that it is deserving to be close to Hashem in Gan Eden, in addition to being a deterrent. By going through sefarim like Medrish Kitapuach BiAtzei HaYa’ar, which gives a glimpse of the tortures of Gehennom, or the 20th perek of Tanna Dvei Eliyahu Zuta which discusses Gehennom as well, or the mussar sefer Reishis Chochma for example, this can be seen as a major deterrent from sin. The bottom line is that all these things have the ability to create a very powerful and close relationship between Hashem and His creations; therefore it’s beloved by Him and should be beloved by us.