What is happening in our baptism is the same thing that happened at the baptism of Jesus (minus the dive-bombing dove, probably). God speaks out over the chaos and tumult of life to announce to the universe, “This is my child, my beloved. With her I am well-pleased!”
Wow.
God loves me. Not even Instagram me, but the real me. The me that makes mistakes, messes up, hides her insecurities with humor and sarcasm, eats too much ice cream and doesn’t exercise nearly enough. Not the selfie me, where I manage to get the angle just right so that my double chin can be erased if I kick up the brightness level and use the right filter. The me with the millions of reasons I have for finding myself unlovable – that me is God’s Beloved. That me is me that pleases God.
It makes no sense to me. Yet, this belovedness has become foundational to my life, and I find it a far firmer foundation than me loving myself. My love is nothing to build a life on. But the love of God? That’s something that will stand the test of time.
This message is excerpted from “That me – God’s beloved” by Kristen Kuempel in the December 2021 Café online magazine. Today is Valentine’s Day.
Copyright © 2025 Women of the ELCA. Inquiries for permission to reproduce should be directed to [email protected]. If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.