Beloved

eDevotion

Encouragement for your daily walk with God

My computer dictionary defines BELOVED as “a much loved person.” What I find so wonderful is that God uses that word of Christ followers—His children. The Bible records that God has a general love for the whole world and a sustaining love even for His enemies—He sends sunshine to warm them and rain to water their crops, just as He does for believers—however, this term of endearment is unique for those who are His precious possessions.

The first occurrence of beloved in the New Testament is when John baptized Christ. When Jesus came up from the water, a voice echoed from heaven, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased" (Matthew 3:17). It was the voice of God the Father, who loved Christ dearly.

Are you wondering right now, "How can God call me that—His beloved? Doesn't He know how unlovable I am?" The answer is really simple. He calls you beloved, not because of righteousness you have in yourself or because you are worthy of it, but because Christ has deposited His righteousness on your behalf.

I am encouraged by this passage Paul wrote to the Christ followers in Thessalonica:

But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (2nd Thessalonians 2:13-14).