Beloved,
You’ve Got Mail
I
have a confession to make. I’ve read your mail, and what’s more, I don’t feel
sorry, not in the least. My mom told me that it’s wrong to read mail addressed
to others, and that’s why I feel the need to confess. Though I think by the end
of this post, she may give me some heavenly forgiveness. She’s pretty good like
that.
Paul,
once known as Saul of Tarsus, wrote most of the letters to you that I read.
When I think about it, though, all the epistles, and by extension, the Gospels
and Revelation, were addressed to you as well. Aw, let’s face it, the entire
Old Testament linked up with the New Testament is one big love letter from God,
penned by others, driven by the Holy Spirit, and sent to you.
I
know these writings are yours because, somewhere in many of them, there are
salutations where you are named:
Romans
12:19, “Beloved, never avenge yourselves…”
I
Corinthians 10:14, “Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.”
Philippians
4:12, “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed…
II
Corinthians 7:1, “Since we have these promises, beloved…”
Hebrews
6:9, “Though we speak in this way, yet in your case, beloved, we feel
sure of better things…”
James
1:19, “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.”
I
Peter 2:11, “Beloved, I urge you as sojourners, and exiles…”
1
John 3:2, “Beloved, we are God’s children now…”
You
are God’s beloved; these and more are addressed specifically to you. They are
yours to open.
This
part might get a little dicey, and you should convince yourselves not to use
this information for personal gain of a lowbrow nature, especially teenagers
who might be reading this post.
My
friend Webster tells me that beloved means “dearly loved: dear to
the heart”. Trust me on this, that ‘dearly’ part is no little thing. Jesus
dearly paid the price for us to be in a condition to be beloved.
The
Song of Solomon, considered by many as erotic poetry, is full of beloveds
exchanging compliments and entreaties.
Married
couples, think about the effect you would have on your spouse if you addressed
them as ‘beloved’ when you started an apology with the assurance that the
apology was genuine and that your path for atonement is true. Instant
forgiveness. Need a hug? Making the apology with "beloved" and hugs
wouldn’t be enough.
To
dating couples who are about to propose marriage, address the object of your
affection with ‘beloved’ if you want a near guarantee of a yes in response. The
ring will be icing and the wedding planning will flow with a unity rarely seen
on reality TV. Go for it.
God
used the term beloved regarding His own Son, Jesus Christ, when he said in the
Gospel of Mark 1:11, “And a voice came from heaven, ‘You are my beloved Son,
with you I am well pleased.’” For the authors of the Bible to use beloved while
addressing us is to place us in the most-loved-people category.
I
am certain these letters, neatly packed into a big book, are addressed to you.
Open them. Read them. Be beloved.
As
for me? I believe Mom will be okay with me opening your mail as often as I like
and every day that I can. And, I will.
In
His grip,
jjwhite
