To Be Loved
January 19, 2025
Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
,
‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’
from Luke 3:22
‘You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.’
.
We all need to be loved. The need for love is a core human necessity, ranking just behind the essential needs like food, health, and shelter. We, ourselves, need to experience love before we can love others. Sadly, many people feel unloved or unworthy due to painful experiences, leading to a loss of joy and purpose. Jesus' baptism powerfully illustrates God's unconditional love when He declares, "You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased." This pivotal moment initiates Jesus' self-giving ministry and highlights the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
At the heart of the gospel is God's unwavering love, not guilt. This love forgives, redeems, and seeks out the lost instead of condemning them. Jesus' ministry centered on compassion and forgiveness, calling us to show the same love to others. The cross reveals both God's rejection of sin and His profound love through Jesus' sacrifice. God's love extends to everyone, even those we find difficult to forgive, and embracing this truth allows us to fully experience His grace. Even today, God still declares, "You are my child. You are my beloved." May we accept this love and share it with the others.
