Beloved: The One He Loves

Scripture Reading — Ephesians 1:3-10; 1 John 4:7-19

He chose us . . . for adoption . . . through Jesus Christ . . . the One he loves.
— Ephesians 1:4-6

My daughters and I enjoy romantic comedies. We view these love stories with our popcorn and our sappy smiles, waiting for that satisfying moment when the main characters declare their love for one another. We are drawn to these stories because we are made for love. But stories like these are just shadows—wispy imitations of the real and eternal thing.

The Bible tells us that God is love. From the depths of eternity the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—has been and is love, delighting in and glorifying one another. God is one, and yet, mysteriously, God is also three persons in a perfect, loving relationship.

So when John declares that “God is love,” he means that the triune God did not need to create anyone or anything in order to love. God has always been abounding in love. This begins within the Godhead and extends to everything God does.

At Jesus’ baptism, and again at his transfiguration, the Father’s voice said, “This is my Son, whom I love” (Matthew 3:17; 17:5). And what is so amazing is that, in Jesus, God has extended his love to us! Even more, the Beloved, our Lord Jesus, did far more than getting down on one knee to declare his love. He laid down his life for us, becoming the “atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

And when we receive him, relying on the love God has for us, God lives in us, and we live in him. Amazing!

Triune God, thank you for loving us and giving us new life in Jesus, the One you love. Fill us with your life and love, and help us to share your love everywhere. Amen.

Written by: Lora Copley