The One God Loves

An appropriate 1100th post. We could all use some blessings.

I Am the One God Loves

Sociologists have a theory of the looking-glass self: you become what the most important person in your life (wife, father, boss, etc.) thinks you are. How would your life change if you truly believed the Bible's astounding words about Gods love for you, if you looked in the mirror and saw what God sees?

The Apostle John is known in scripture as "John, the beloved". Brennan Manning says that if John were asked, "What is your primary identity in life?" He would not reply, I am a disciple, an apostle, an evangelist, an author of one of the four Gospels, but rather, "I am the one Jesus loves."

Brennan Manning also tells the story of an Irish priest who, on a walking tour of a rural parish, sees an old peasant kneeling by the side of the road, praying. Impressed, the priest says to the man, "You must be very close to God." The peasant looks up from his prayers, thinks a moment, and then smiles, "Yes, he's very fond of me."

You are loved.

(From "What's So Amazing About Grace" by Philip Yancey)

Mark Spain, Chaplain
Director Pastoral Care
Baptist Health System