9. THE TRUEST THING ABOUT ME IS THAT I AM GOD’S BELOVED.

(Before looking at the questions below, take a few minutes to think about this statement. Invite Jesus to speak to you about what He would like you to notice.) 

WHAT IS ONE QUALITY, OR CHARACTERISTIC, ABOUT YOU THAT YOU THINK GOD DELIGHTS IN?

DO YOU BELIEVE AND FEEL AS THOUGH YOU ARE GOD'S BELOVED?

WHAT KEEPS YOU FROM EXPERIENCING YOUR BELOVEDNESS?

WHAT WOULD YOU DESIRE TO HEAR GOD SAY TO YOU?

At two points in Jesus' ministry, the Father says that Jesus is his beloved. The first time was just after he was baptized. Matthew 3:17 says, "This is my beloved son, with whom I am well pleased" (NASB). The second time we hear these words is during Jesus' transfiguration. Using the same words, "a voice from the cloud said, 'This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased'" (Matthew 17:5 NASB). These are significant words.

When God speaks these words over Jesus, calling him "My beloved," it is a defining statement. God was defining Jesus' identity, value, and worth. The NASB adds a note suggesting a possible alternate wording: "My son, the Beloved." I prefer this rendering. When we read the text this way, God is describing Jesus as “beloved.” He’s not only saying that he loves Jesus, but he is making a significant statement about Jesus’ identity. It is a statement about his value and worth. And I believe that

God speaks this over all his children. It may not be hard for us to agree that Jesus was God's beloved and had incredible worth. But can you also hear God saying to you, You are my beloved and I am well pleased, delighted in you? Can you claim this as your identity? Can your belovedness shape your image of yourself, your sense of worth? I pray that it does.