There are a lot of voices in the world competing for our attention. Some tell us we are successful only if we achieve more, earn more, or impress more people. Others remind us of our failures, insecurities, or shortcomings. Before long, many of us begin to wonder if we are truly enough.
This Sunday, we will reflect on Matthew 3:13–17, the story of Jesus’ baptism. As he comes up out of the water, the heavens open, the Spirit descends like a dove, and a voice from heaven says, “This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.”
Those words are at the center of this week’s message, “Because of Jesus, I Am Beloved.” Before Jesus begins his public ministry, before any miracles are performed or sermons are preached, God declares that Jesus is beloved. He belongs to God. He is deeply loved by God.
And through Christ, that same truth speaks to us. One of the hardest things for people to believe is that they are genuinely loved by God just as they are. We tell ourselves that if we could just do better, pray more, fix our mistakes, or get our lives together, then maybe God would love us more fully.
However, the Gospel tells a different story. Our identity is not built on accomplishment, appearance, popularity, or perfection. Our identity begins with God’s grace. Because of Jesus, we are claimed, welcomed, forgiven, and loved. We are beloved children of God.
That does not mean life suddenly becomes easy or that we never struggle with self-doubt. Most of us still wrestle with feelings of inadequacy from time to time. We carry wounds from harsh words, broken relationships, disappointments, or unrealistic expectations. Yet the voice of God continues to speak over our lives with grace and love.
You are beloved.
I think that is a message many people desperately need to hear right now. In a world that often leaves people feeling overlooked, exhausted, or not good enough, the love of God reminds us that our worth is not something we have to earn. It is a gift.
And when we begin to trust that we are beloved by God, it changes the way we live. We become more compassionate with ourselves and others. We stop living out of fear and start living out of grace. We learn to extend the same love we have received to the people around us.
I hope you will join us this Sunday as we worship together and remember this beautiful truth: because of Jesus, we are beloved.