Child of God, do you hesitate to claim this title for yourself? Ah! Has unbelief made you forget that you too are greatly beloved?

Think about it. You must have been greatly beloved to be purchased with the precious blood of Christ, that perfect Lamb without blemish and without spot. When God struck down his only Son for you, what was that if not proof of being greatly beloved? You lived in sin, you rioted in it, and still God bore with you patiently. Does that not scream of love? You were called by grace, led to a Savior, made a child of God and an heir of heaven. All of this shouts one thing: you are wrapped in a love so vast and superabounding it defies measurement.

And since that day? Whether your path has been rough with troubles or smooth with mercies, every step has proven that you are greatly beloved. If the Lord has chastened you, it was not in anger. If he has made you poor in this world's goods, he has made you rich in grace. Listen to me: the more unworthy you feel, the more proof you have of God's love. Nothing but unspeakable, unreasonable love could have moved the Lord Jesus to save a soul like yours. The more demerit you feel, the clearer the display of God's abounding love in having chosen you, called you, and made you an heir of bliss.

Now then, if such love exists between God and us, let us live in the influence and sweetness of it! Let us use the privileges of our position. Stop approaching the Lord like you're a stranger knocking on a door that might not open. Stop acting like he's reluctant to hear you. You are greatly beloved by your Father. Remember what Scripture says: "He who did not spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?"

Come boldly, O believer! Despite the whisperings of Satan, despite the doubtings of your own heart, you are greatly beloved. Meditate on the exceeding greatness and faithfulness of divine love tonight. Let it sink deep into your bones. And then go to your bed in peace.