Beloved

MORNING WITH BEVERLY: Tuesday 02-14-2017

 

Happy Valentine's Day.  Oh, the candy that has been or will be bought ... and consumed.  My, the flowers to be delivered ... and, subsequent smiles.  Gracious, the balloons to be inflated ... and, the squeals and giggles produced. And, let's certainly not forget the card aisles!

 

The word isn't very common today, but it's a beautiful Bible word: beloved.  In both Old and New Testaments, it's the ultimate term of affection.  One beloved is the preferred love!  In the New Testament beloved is exclusively refers to unique affection Christ has toward His children. "See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. ... Beloved, we are God's children now." (from 1 John 3:1-2).  If you're born-again, you are God's beloved!  If Christians really believed this, what more self-esteem do we need!  I suspect the sale of beauty products, trendy fashions, and self-help books would dramatically decrease.  Yes, I've bought my share of chocolate for Valentine's Day and [I suspect] I'll receive my share as well.  Once the cards are read, flowers fade, balloons are deflated and chocolate is consumed, it's done - over - concluded - the end [till next year].  The Love of God, however, endures forever and His Gift [Jesus] eternal!  Did you know Believers are "God's chosen ones, holy and beloved" (Colossians 3:12), "loved by God and called to be saints" (Romans, 1:7), "beloved children" (Ephesians 5:1), "His workmanship" (Ephesians 2:10), "called children of God" (1 John 3:1)?  Furthermore, did you know God is "Him Whom my soul loves" (Song of Solomon 3:1)?  And the ultimate truth: "I am my Beloved’s and my Beloved is mine." (Song of Solomon 6:3).  We are in the Beloved - Jesus Christ! To show us how deeply He loves us, God "cared to send the very best" -- He sent the Hallmark of our faith: a sinless spotless Lamb, the Redeeming Love Redeemer to redeem! How's that for preferred love!  If you are not in the Beloved, what a great day to become one!  If you are in the Beloved, celebrate it today and evermore!  Happy Valentine's Day!