I am rereading Henri Nouwen's book, Life of the Beloved. His beginning premise is that we are all God's beloved, but we get so busy with the outer things of life that we forget. We forget where we came from and where we're going, and that in every step of the way we are God's beloved.
He goes on to say that remembering or learning that we are God's beloved isn't all there is, it's just the beginning. There is another step. We must become the beloved. That is we must think, say and do what God would have us think, say, and, do. We must act like the beloved, believe we are beloved, and give that sense of being loved to others, even strangers. Sometimes we give it with a smile, sometimes we give it with a hug, sometimes with deep and abiding friendship, , sometimes with wise and loving counsel, sometimes with a sweet note. There are a myriad of ways that we can give that love to others and show that they are beloved, remind them that they are beloved, and remind ourselves at the same time.
We can trust in God's love. Notice in the scriptures people are always messing up, sometimes huge mistakes. God loves them anyway and calls them back to waiting arms so to speak. Interestingly, we have responsibility to share that love on earth.
When we get comfortable realizing God loves us, it becomes easier and easier to love others, nd and to give them the gift of knowing they are beloved. By our actions, even our tone of voice, we convey love or rejection, acceptance or judgement, sarcasm or sincerity. Let's ask ourselves, what are we broadcasting with the energy of our lives? Let's get on the wavelength of the beloved.
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