Find Hope: Matthew 1-4Sample

I Love You

Are there any three words more sought out and desired than these? There are movies, songs, poems, and artworks all expressing either the delight of hearing these words or the pain and longing of going without.

These words mark a threshold, a new stage in romantic relationships, and for many, saying them out loud is a terrifying moment of vulnerability. There is weight and meaning in these words.

At Jesus' baptism, as he rises out of the water, the Holy Spirit descends on him like a dove, preparing him for the ministry ahead, and his Father speaks words of affirmation and affection:

"This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

The wonder of the gospel is that through Christ's work on the cross and by the Holy Spirit, we are now in Christ. What was ours is now his—our sin and punishment. And what was his is now ours—his perfect obedience and sonship—we are part of the family.

What that means is, if you are a Christian, the Father's words to Jesus are also his words to you. You are his child whom he loves and with whom he is well pleased.

We struggle to believe this because there is so much about us that isn't worthy of his love, but it's not about us; it's about him and his mercy (Titus 3:5).

Today, ponder this: Remind yourself of his love and delight in you today by thanking him for it. Maybe even try memorizing this verse.