~ Romans 1:7 (NKJV)
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God.
~ 1 John 3:1-2 (NKJV)
Even though he wrote the love chapter (1 Corinthians 13), I don't tend to think of Paul as a particularly affectionate sort. He wasn't even married, and an aging bachelor doesn't bring to my mind a picture of warm fuzzies.
But write the love chapter Paul did. And other than God Himself, no one else in Scripture uses the expression "beloved" more than Paul. How often does anyone use that particular term of endearment? It is reserved for only someone especially close to the heart. It was used of the Father for His Son Jesus.
Is there anyone in your life who calls you or is called by you "beloved"? Paul and John both use it in addressing you. More importantly, "beloved" describes God's affection for you, His beloved child. He does not use it of everyone, but only those He has adopted as His Own, who
call Him "Abba"—"Father."
Abba, Father, what manner of love, indeed, does for us all You have done? You give us life, liberty, and love above all love. If You did nothing else for us, we would be blessed only because we are Your beloved.
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I am so very honored to be His beloved.
ReplyDeleteThanx Anne. Funny about Paul, I guess God really does use the most unusual suspects.
ReplyDeleteIncredible, isn't it Denise?
ReplyDeleteT. Anne, LOL! I hadn't thought about it, but I guess God's M.O. really is to "use the most unusual suspects." I can only believe that's why He uses me.