The idea of Belovedness is a profound theme of the Bible’s story, whose influence and importance stretches on into the present day. It is an identity that those most intimate with Jesus used to describe themselves. And that is telling.

John referred to himself as The One Whom Jesus Loved at multiple points throughout his gospel. There are many references made to him now that call him “the beloved disciple.”

Many Christians today use the word Beloved to address Jesus and the Abba directly. “Dearly Beloved” is a common phrase used to begin many prayers across America.

We are, all of us, beloved sons and daughters of God. And we are all still becoming beloved sons and daughters as well.

But in order to more fully live in that reality, we have to learn how to be loved first. We have to learn how to be loving to ourselves and each other. And we must learn the true face of The Beloved.

That is the goal of Beloved. It is not a how to guide. It is not a simple fix road map. It is an offering of our lived stories from those of us on the path of rich life with God, as we find it in our own time.

-Ben Manly