Beloved of God

 We all need to be loved and to love. We are hardwired that way. In Song of Solomon, one lover says of the other, “I [am] my beloved’s, And my beloved [is] mine. (Song of Songs 6:3 NKJV) Many view the Song of Solomon as a picture of the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Church. And the New Testament calls the Church the “Bride of Christ.” Whether or not one accepts the Song of Solomon as a metaphor, it does bring up the question, “What does it mean to be beloved by God?

In the Old Testament, Jacob’s son Benjamen and later Solomon are said to be “beloved of the Lord.” Neither of these men was perfect. Nehemiah says the following of Solomon:

Nehemiah13:26 (NKJV) “Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many nations there was no king like him, who was beloved of his God; and God made him king over all Israel. Nevertheless pagan women caused even him to sin.

God loved Solomon and gave Solomon wisdom, riches, and a kingdom. And, even though Solomon was unfaithful, God never stopped loving him. 

Nehemiah 13:26 uses the Hebrew word “āhaḇ.” This is a root word, which means it is not derived from another word. Rather, it is a word from which other words are derived. It means human love for another, including family and sexual. It can also mean human appetite for objects such as food, drink, sleep, or wisdom. It refers to human love for God, friends, or a lover. And it is used for God’s love for men as individuals or nations (i.e., Israel).

As an example, when God spoke to Abraham about Isaac, He said:

Genesis 22:2 (NKJV) “Take now your son, your only [son] Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.”

In another place, God says to the people of Israel:

Jeremiah31:3 (NKJV) The LORD has appeared of old to me, [saying:] “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.

In the case of Solomon and Israel, God is speaking of them in the context of telling about their great sin and rebellion against God. God is telling of His broken heart over His children. Nothing demonstrates this love of God better than God’s actions. Romans 3:23 tells us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” And yet God tells us of Himself:

John 3:16 (NKJV) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

This “loved” is the Greek word “agapaō,” which is the verb form of the word “agape” that we are familiar with. This is usually called “selfless love,” but it has a much more colorful history. 

“Agapaō” is not a root word. In other words, it is derived from other words. It is related to “agan,” which means “much,” and “agab,” which means “inordinate affection” or “to breathe after.” “Agab” is also used for lust. Although “agape” indicates pure love, its root words tie it to a deep and passionate longing or attachment.

In the Old Testament, God demonstrates His great love by continually pursuing and “drawing” His people despite their rebellion and rejection of Him. This then leads to the ultimate demonstration of His love in the giving of His Son and the addition of a word that implies great longing and affection.

The words “loving-kindness” and “mercy” also are tied to God’s love. How can we even begin to comprehend what it means to be the “beloved of God?” I cannot help but think of a couple of passages. 

The first is Romans 8:32.

Romans8:32 (NKJV) He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?

The second is 1 Corinthians 2:9.

1 Corinthians2:9 (NKJV) But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

How have you responded to the love that God has for you?

Why don't you talk to Him about it?

Scripture quotations marked "NKJV" are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission. www.nelsonbibles.com.