Beloved

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. I John 3:1-2 (KJV) emphasis mine

The word beloved means dearly loved, loved, a term of endearment. In Romans 1:7, Paul addresses his letter to the beloved of God in the King James Version, but it is translated as loved by God in other versions.

To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7 (English Standard Version, ESV)

God loved us before we were born again. It was His love that saved us, called us, and made us His own. God loves us, and now we love Him. When God calls us His beloved, He is saying He loves us and that we are the ones loved by Him. In the King James Version, God called Jesus His beloved Son in Matthew 3:17. Let’s look at that in another translation.

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 (New International Version, NIV) emphasis mine.

He calls Jesus His beloved Son, the Son He loves. And He says the same thing about you and me.

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. Ephesians 1:6 (KJV)

We are accepted in the beloved (Jesus Christ). God accepts us through Christ. As a matter of fact, God loves us as much as He loves Jesus- because we are accepted in and through Christ. If you have trouble believing that God loves you as much as He loves Jesus, take a look at this verse, in Jesus’ own words as He prayed to the Father.

I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. John 17:23 (KJV)

Because God loves us, He will meet our needs, draw us close to Him, speak to us, lead, us, help us, prosper us, heal us, protect and defend us. III John 1:3 addresses us as beloved, the ones whom Jesus dearly loves.

Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. II John 1:2 (KJV)

When we receive and experience God’s love, it causes us to be in health and it prospers us. God’s love for us affects every area of our lives to the point where nothing is missing and nothing is broken. God’s love for us will never end- He will love us forever (Jeremiah 31:3).

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. II Corinthians 13:14 (KJV) emphasis mine