Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 

We read the above verse and we so quickly move on to the qualities that we should possess, and those are surely great things, but we miss out on a very important phrase and the very reason for which we should be compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient. In fact, we even think the opposite, that is, in order to be worthy of love we need to be a certain way. But here we see a different story. It is the reverse. We should be a certain way because we already are loved, so dearly.

Think of someone you love or have loved so dearly. What emotions are stirred within you? What affections swell up within your tiny heart that seems to have a stretchable quality all of a sudden? This may be just a fragment of how God feels when he looks at us through Christ. Think of anything that evokes warm affection in our hearts, and yet, it will be so small compared to the affection that God has for us. 

Because I am his beloved, so dearly loved, I do not need to seek security and affirmation through anyone else’s affection or attention. This constant search for belongingness and for affection can end in the truth of this assurance that I am already His beloved.

So today…as you pray, just bask in the warmth of God’s love that has made you holy and beloved. Spend a few quiet moments just inhaling this sweet aroma into your deepest being. If anything tries to snatch the warmth, quickly and promptly remind yourself that you are his beloved, so dearly loved. And this is enough; this is all that you need. Really.