Observation:
This is John writing about himself. Throughout the book of John we see John referencing himself as the one that Jesus loved. In our culture we would consider that arrogance. You just don't hear many people referring to themselves as loved by someone else. We feel comfortable expressing love for others, but to boldly label ourselves as loved? It is a foreign concept. Now amplify that as a Christian. Do we walk around referring to ourselves as deeply loved by Jesus? I've never heard a Christian say that. But I wonder how we might change and how the world might change if we did.
Application:
I struggle with a terrible self image. Sometimes the battle in the mind is more intense then others, this morning it was intense. I don't look the way or weigh what I use too. My husband is constantly telling me that I'm beautiful, but it can't quite compare with the continual bombardment going on in my mind. I got frustrated with God this morning, screaming in my mind "Why won't you help me Lord?", "Why won't you help me look better so that I won't have this terrible battle? You know how much this hurts me". As I pressed through and into His word this simple sentence caught me. John saw himself as loved, that was the only label he carried. He didn't carry fat, ugly, stupid, just loved. And truth be told it is the only label that he gave out as well. If you read 1,2,3 John you will see him referencing us as beloved. Oh to truly take off those old labels and put on the only one that matters...I AM THE ONE THAT JESUS LOVES!
Prayer
Father, I'm sorry for getting frustrated. Thank You for breaking through the battle and calming me with Your truth. Please continue to renew my mind so that the only label I carry is the one that tells the world how much You love me and You love them.
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