Jeremiah 31:3 – The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. (NKJV)

I know that I've told this story before, but it bears repeating until we all get it! Several years after becoming a Christian, I still struggled with the after-effects of child abuse. Fear, rejection, and poor self-esteem remained a daily part of my life. In desperation, I sought out a Christian counsellor.

"What would you say if God told you that He had a great gift for you?" she asked.

"I'd tell Him that He'd made a mistake and that He should give it to the next person in line," I sobbed.

We parted company early. As I fumbled for my car keys, these phrases dropped into my heart:

"Brenda, beloved Brenda. Be loved." "You are Brenda." "You are being eternally loved, overwhelmingly valued, and you are endlessly dear."

B-eing E-eternally L-oved! Who? Me? God loves me that much? The Creator of all things found me to be O-verwhelmingly V-aluable? I am E-ndlessly D-ear to the God of the universe?

And I finally accepted that free-for-the-taking love that God had offered all along.

Years later, I still repeat those treasured phrases to myself: B-E-L-O-V-E-D — Being eternally loved, overwhelmingly valued, and endlessly dear.

Because I am loved, I'm able to love the people around me.

1 John 4:19 – We love because he first loved us. (NIV)

When others ask why I have changed so much, I share my little phrase: "You are Beloved: B-eing E-ternally L-oved, O-verwhelmingly V-alued, and E-ndlessly D-ear to God.

And as they accept these words into their heart, they, too, are able to love others.

James 2:5 – Listen, my beloved brethren: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and in their position as believers and to inherit the kingdom which He has promised to those who love Him? (AMP)

Prayer: Lord, how can we ever thank You for making us Your Beloved? For Christ's sake. Amen.

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About the author:

Brenda Wood <brenda.w@nextcom.ca>
Sandycove Acres, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
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