Dearly Beloved

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved. (Colossians 3:12, NKJV)

There is a distinction between being loved and beloved. Beloved is an adjective to describe the people we love deeply and dearly, while loved is an adjective to describe someone or something we love. God has called you his beloved because that is the way he feels about you and acts toward you. He does not merely “love” you, you are his beloved. He loves you so dearly he would do anything for you; even go as far as sacrificing his own dearly loved (beloved) Son to assure you are with him for always in eternity and enjoy his full care and protection while on this earth.

When we think of or say someone is our beloved it is more than a term of endearment but our way of saying that they occupy a place so special in our heart and lives that they are part of who we are; our entire heart is for them.

Who are those you can name right now that you call your beloved? Does even their name or the thought of them warm your heart? Is there anything you would not do for them? Anything you would not give up or sacrifice? Anything you would withhold from them if it was yours to give, and even if it wasn’t, any length you would not go to get it for them? This is the kind of love we often have for our loved ones. Our beloveds have our loyalty, our dedication, our help, our protection; whatever we have is theirs.

When God speaks about you this way in his Word, it is because you hold a special place in his heart. He has made you a part of his family. You are his very one, special creation and he loves you dearly. Because you love and accept his own Son, everything that belongs to Jesus, belongs to you too! Let’s Pray,

Dearest Father, thank you for calling and including me with those who are not only loved, but “beloved” by you. Amen

Reflective Questions for Soul-Tending:

How do you feel knowing God not only loves you, but you are his “beloved?”

How will you incorporate today’s message into your plan of soul-care?