God's Own Sweetheart

Philippians 4:1 - Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

Lovers everywhere, young and old, rejoice in this day – the one day of the year designated especially for them.

Valentine’s Day. Fluttering Cupids and glittery hearts, chocolate and roses, love letters on pretty red cards. On this day, it’s okay to be openly sentimental – even for rough, tough, mucho macho men. And those of the female gender normally considered “ice maidens”? Well, even they may thaw a little on February 14th.

On this day, you’re expected to let your sweetheart (meaning beloved) know that he or she is your beloved. According to Merriam-Webster, that word means “dearly loved,” or “dear to the heart.”

My marriage will be 35 years old later this month. Being the sentimental ol’ me that I am, I have a collection of Valentines from over the years. I simply cannot bring myself to throw them away. Why? Because it’s there in writing. He loves me, and he took time to say so in a special way. No matter what happens the rest of the year…no matter how many disagreements we have…no matter how many times he might forget to say the words – I have it on those cards in his own writing. He loves me! I am his beloved – dearly loved, dear to his heart.

Yet, as much as those beautiful cards from my one and only earthly love mean to me, I must confess to possessing another love letter that is closer to my heart.

Have you ever noticed how often the word beloved comes up in the Bible? In the New Testament in particular, it is used repeatedly.

God referred to Jesus at His baptism as “my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Then in John 17:23, while praying, Jesus states, “…that the world may know that thou [God] hast sent me, and hast loved them [the world] , as thou hast loved me [Jesus].” God loves us just as He loved His Son.

We are God’s beloved – His sweetheart. The Bible is His love letter to us - a very special valentine! Through the writers, God repeatedly refers to us as His dearly beloved.

I want to share just a few beautiful verses from this amazing love letter, starting with the one at the top of the page:

Philippians 4:1 - Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

(I love this verse! Have you ever heard a more blatant expression of devotion? Over half the words in this little verse are terms of endearment. I believe I can safely say that the Lover of my soul is as sentimental as they come!)

2 Thess. 2:13 - But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

2 Peter 3:14– Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

1 John 4:7 – Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

1 John 4:11 - Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

Talk about a valentine to be treasured!

No matter what this world throws our way…no matter what fiery trials we must endure…no matter how sorely our faith might be tried – God has given it to us in black and white. In His own words, in His own writing. He loves us. We are His sweethearts – and we have His love letter to prove it.


And now, here's something fun to do together for Valentine's Day....

Let's all share a verse of scripture that expresses God's special love for us. If 10 or more people participate with a "Valentine" verse, I'll put all the names into a drawing for a 1-lb. gift certificate to Sees Candy (Value $15.60). Note: Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you in case your name is drawn!

Let me get us started with the following verse:

Jeremiah 31:3 - The Lord appeared to us in the past. He said, "I have loved you with a love that lasts forever. I have kept on loving you with faithful love.

Now it's your turn. Happy Valentine's Day!

Winner, if applicable, will be announced Sunday night, Feb. 15.