Be Beloved

Psalm 103:10-13 (NIV)

He does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him;
as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
As a father has compassion on his children,
So the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.

I love this psalm—in fact, I think it’s my favourite! If I could quote the whole thing, I would, but I’ll save you the time since you’ve probably got a busy schedule!

This psalm speaks of the incomprehensibly comprehensive love and forgiveness God has for us. We are ENTIRELY loved, and our sins have been ENTIRELY removed. Embracing this truth and letting it form our identity is crucial.

Our belovedness (true, regardless of whether we feel, believe, or trust it) is a vital weapon against lies and negative self-talk. These can plague our minds, crumple our confidence, and prevent us from joyfully living in the present. Whenever our sin and shame come knocking, we can acknowledge it with honesty - then lay it at the foot of the Cross with confidence that Christ has dealt with it once and for all. Any condemning voice - whether from the enemy, others, or ourselves - has no authority and crumbles before the Father’s enduring voice of love and forgiveness over us, his beloved children.

Understanding this truth is key to living a full, present life, yet it’s so challenging to deeply internalise. Just knowing its true is helpful, but here are some practical ways to grasp your belovedness: meditate on Scripture, commune and pray with other Christians, and spend time alone in prayer, listening for the Spirit to affirm your identity.

So, whenever you feel drawn into past shame or condemnation, remember and stand firm in the unchangeable reality: you are, and always will be, beloved. 

Prayer - Father, please enable my heart to grasp the truth of my belovedness and form my identity around it.