A missionary man came to our church a few weeks ago, preaching on the word beloved. He took it out of the box, broke it a part – and opened my eyes to a totally new meaning from the Father. Yes, beloved – an adjective or noun meaning you are special to my heart – but this missionary man turned it into a verb Be Loved.
It was like the Father was saying, allow yourself to Be Loved by me. Be Loved by me. I want to be loved by my husband, my children, my parents. I want to be loved by the great I am.
Be loved is hugs, gifts, encouraging words, acts of service, giving.
Be Loved by me says, “I am here for you.”
Be Loved by me says, “Let me help.”
Be Loved by me says, “You are not alone.”
Be Loved by me says, “I am taking the time to know you, know your heart, your intentions.”
Be Loved by me says, “I will help you clean up this mess.”
To Be Loved by a mighty God who created the universe, who holds it in the palm of His hands, who created a divine design for my life – it is something I am not worthy of.
Be Loved by me, He says, though He doesn’t need this relationship.
Yet, that is what makes it all the more radical, all the more startling, all the harder to accept, to believe and to allow.
Be Loved. Just Be Loved.
This is so good! I love that way of looking at the word “beloved.” And I also know what you mean about it being hard to understand and accept. But I am learning.
‘Just Be Loved!’ Oh, that is hard sometimes! Ha – who am I kidding – ‘sometimes’???
But this is where we are meant to be. How he delights in us. Oh, to delight in Him!
Thanks for sharing these thoughts!
I LOVE THIS! How beautiful and how so very full of truth. 🙂 Thank you for sharing this. Here from FMF. Have a great weekend. X
What a great thought! Thank you for sharing. I will work on allowing more love in my heart. Cheers,
Shanae
Thank you for taking the time to share this beautiful message today!
I love this take on the theme. Fantastic job!
My husband’s name means … beloved.
Fondly,
Glenda
Following you on Hear it on Sunday. Great post on Beloved – and isn’t it awesome God first filled you up with this missionary’s words.. just before you were to write. love it.
Blessings,
Janis http://www.janiscox.com
A new interpretation of well worn concept: and what a stunning point is made. Grateful ‘be loved’ by our Lord.
Hey Gal! Awesome Post! I never thought of the word “beloved” in that light. I must admit, before I read the post, I already had perceived what I “thought” it was going to be about, and where my train of thought for my comment was going. From my childhood (13 on) I have to admit, I didn’t know HOW to allow myself to “be loved” by ANYONE, GOD included. I had the lowest self-esteem you can imagine, and I just flat WOULD NOT give anyone a chance to love me. I had gone to church as a child (before 13) so I knew about God, but I didn’t really understand. I just went to church for the social aspect, and after my mom died, I didn’t go to church except now and then (on special occasions), so I didn’t really get the gist of an intimate relationship with God. Actually being loved by Him.
I am so thankful that a couple brought me to realization back in 2000. I have had a total turn around since then. I now allow myself to BE LOVED.
God Bless you for this post!
PJ