Devotionals for the Heart: You are beloved by your Maker (God)

It Changes Everything to Know You Are Beloved
A devotional by Anne Madison

“A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”— John 13:34 (KJV)

There is a word that shows up all throughout the Bible. It is easily browsed over without much thought yet deserves a second look. The word is “beloved”.

Beloved is not said casually. It is not a compliment simply thrown around. Beloved, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, means “dearly loved” and “dear to the heart”. I would also say that it means you are deeply loved, completely cherished, and fully valued. Most importantly, beloved is what God calls you. Being beloved is not based on accomplishments; it is about who you are at the core of your being. Beloved. Before you even took your first breath, before you did one thing, God loved you. In Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV), God says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

God’s everlasting love, like beloved, is not something earned. It is not, “I’ll love you if you get it right” or “I love you because you serve me.” It is simply, “I will love you forever.” No conditions or expectations. Everlasting love is love that is given freely, without requiring anything in return. In a world that is always telling us we must push harder and look better to prove our identity and worth, it is easy to feel like we will never measure up. But God looks at you, just as you are, and says, “You are enough. You are truly cherished and cared for. You are beloved because of my everlasting love for you.”

But what about when you mess up, are in a bad mood, or are plain outright mad at God for something you feel He failed to do for you? The answer is your being beloved does not change. Romans 5:8 (NIV) says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” That means God loves you even when you are at your worst. He loves your doubts, flaws, mess, and all.

No need to prove your worth to God your Creator. You do not need to measure up to earn His love or prove your value, because His love and value of you have already been determined. That truth changes everything. It frees you from trying to earn love and instead lets you live from love. It sets you free to live beloved, to show up in the world as someone who is so sure of God’s love that there is not room for proving anything.

What does it look like to live as beloved? Living as beloved means letting go of the striving to be loved. It means reminding yourself that your mistakes do not define you. Living beloved is living as the truest you. It holds space that allows you to live as a beloved child of God. And it means seeing and treating others as beloved too.

Therefore, the truth is you are beloved, so is the cranky neighbor next door that calls animal control every time your dog barks. So is the playground bully trying to find his or her place in the world. So is the struggling single parent who is always late for things, whose kids are unkempt, and who always needs something. Because you are fully loved (flaws and all) you can treat and love others without judgment. Just as in Jesus Christ we are beloved by God, so are those around us.

Right now, take a second. Breathe. Let this truth settle in: You are beloved. Say it aloud. “I am beloved.” Not someday. But right now. Just as you are.

Let knowing that you are beloved by God be your anchor when life feels overwhelming. Let being beloved speak louder than the lies that you do not and never will measure up. Let this truth move you to love others, not to prove anything, but from the fact that you are fully beloved. You are precious. You are priceless. You are beloved. Rest in this status.

Let’s Pray:

Dear God,

Thank You for loving me just as I am. Not for what I do, not for how well I perform but because You made me and call me beloved. Somedays it is hard to believe that, so help me hold onto this truth. When I forget, please remind me. Show me how to live fully loved and help me love others the same way. Thank You for calling me beloved. Help me to see myself how You see me. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection #1: “Beloved Let Us Love One Another” by Psalty. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #2: “It’s Time to Own Your Belovedness” by Sarah Kroger. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #3: “Even at My Worst” by Blanca. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #4: “My Beloved” by Kari Jobe. Listen to it here.

Song of Reflection #5: “God Loves You” by Jaci Velasquez. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Anne Madison is a devotional writer whose words gently guide women toward a deeper connection with God through personal reflection, scripture, and everyday experiences. 

Based in Iron River, Wisconsin, Anne is continually inspired by the natural beauty around her and the strong sense of community she calls home.

A dedicated journaler for over 46 years, Anne draws from a rich well of spiritual practice and daily life to craft devotionals that are heartfelt, relatable, and deeply rooted in faith. Her writing speaks to women seeking encouragement, stillness, and spiritual renewal amid the busyness of life.

Anne has a unique gift for noticing God in the ordinary. Whether it's a cup of morning coffee, a walk through the woods, or a quiet conversation with a friend, she uncovers sacred messages that reveal God’s goodness and the blessings hidden in everyday moments.

In addition to her writing, Anne is pursuing her certification as a Life Coach through the Life Mentoring School, further deepening her calling to encourage and uplift others.

She finds joy in simple pleasures—quilting, reading, and spending time with her beloved family and friends.

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Connect with Anne:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lessonsinthejourney    
Email: lessonsinthejourney@gmail.com