{Be Loving} When We Stop Running

Heading across the country on an airplane multiple times this fall has given me a new appreciation for reading. Prior to this fall, I’ve hardly ever been one to love to curl up and read for enjoyment (I know, I can hear the collective groaning now!) as I am much more engrossed in visual things – being a photographer and videographer I think has only heightened this.

So the fact that I found myself on a plane gripped by David Lomas’ book “The Truest Thing About You” only amplifies the importance of his message. 

The relationship I’ve had with being “the beloved” came down to a few profound sentences quoted in his book from Henri J Nouwen’s book “Life of the Beloved”

Something I couldn’t quite put my finger on within the topic of identity in the midst of being in the world but not of it, was spoken to with such grace from Nouwen. It hit me. It hit me rather hard actually as I stared out the window over the wing of the airplane mulling over how the simplest of truths often hit the hardest. I needed to dive deeper. I found that in the NKJV, “beloved” is used one hundred-fourteen times between the old and new testament.  So what does it mean to be called, “beloved?”

The Two Sides of Being The Beloved

“Beloved” is both an identity and an instruction. Beloved means I am cherished; it means I am dearly loved and known. Being the beloved means God knows us, hears us, and holds us nearer to Himself than we can imagine. When we operate out of that place, out of being the beloved, we operate out of an understanding of who we truly are. We inhale and feel our lungs expanding truth; we exhale and the people around us questions why we are so peaceful, different, lovely. He calls us by name and tells us where our identity is found and it is in HIm.

Living as the beloved means you are known and loved. Your past doesn’t matter and your mistakes don’t define you. Every part of you is known; It is all in the light – the diary entries you locked away, the thoughts you would never share, the moments you regret – it’s all right there yet His love covers everything. He knows everything and loves us regardless. That truth will never cease to amaze me. Your affirmation is in Christ and you don’t need to find it elsewhere.

Your identity is set.

That means you can be the second part – you can BE loved. Knowing who you are gives you the understanding of what you deserve which is love. Being loved is more difficult the further we are from the accepting our title of “beloved,” but accepting love gracefully comes out of knowing who He calls you. Amazingly, He will love us even when we don’t feel worthy and even when we push His love away. It’s His nature.

…

Claim the title of being the Beloved. Stop running.
Be convinced – “You are my Beloved, on your my favor rests.”