The prolific, inspiring spiritual writer Henri Nouwen graciously gave the Servant Leadership School, the Church of the Saviour’s alternative seminary, the transcript for his new book on the Life of the Beloved. Simple and profound, it soon became the main text for the core class on Servant Leadership. Gordon Cosby said this little book was really a course in Christian Doctrine, perhaps more important than seminary courses in Systematic Theology. It also took form as the content of many silent retreats, strongly recommended by the school and the faith communities.
All these years later, as I read the story in Matthew* of Jesus’ own baptismal experience of hearing the Voice saying, “You are my beloved,” I reflect again on the magnitude of meaning. And how difficult it is to take it in, to really believe it in an ongoing way, deep in one’s bones. Jesus own experience was that, right away, he was sent into the desert and tempted to listen to other alluring voices about his deep identity, tempted to choose between his true or false self.
As a little child I learned, and felt, that God is love, that Jesus loves me and that the rule of life in following him is to love others. Yet there have been many other voices, within and without, that have pushed me and influenced my choices. Whenever I have worked with others around the identity of being God’s beloved, they have shared similar struggles. So many wounds from not being well-loved, from being told of failure, insufficiency, even worthlessness.
These are lies. The biblical story assumes that God is a passionate lover, longing for abiding intimacy, giving us the Spirit to help guide our choices. Gently shifting the imagination, redefining the possibilities of the life’s abundance and hope. Jesus resisted the lying, accusatory voices and lived out the truth of being the beloved. Although his life and teachings are full of invaluable messages, this one stands out for me as the essential one. You are the beloved. I am the beloved. Living out of that truth changes the world.
–Ann Dean, Dayspring Church
Reflection Questions
- Can you think of a time when you had a clear knowing that you are God’s beloved?
- Can you hold that truth deep in your heart as you sit in silent prayer?
- What friend or group reveals the truth of your belovedness to you?
