The Daily: Monday June 16th, 2025

Read Matthew 3:13-17 (NRSV, The Message)


Beloved From The Start

"The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit—it looked like a dove—descending and landing on him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen and marked by my love, delight of my life."
Matthew 3:16-17 (The Message)

Devotional
Before we take a single step on our spiritual journey, there's a profound truth we need to embrace: we are deeply and unconditionally loved by God. This love isn't earned through our achievements or good behavior - it's our birthright from the moment we exist. Just as Jesus received divine affirmation before beginning his ministry, we too are called to start from this foundation of being beloved. This isn't just a nice sentiment; it's a transformative truth that shapes how we view ourselves and our purpose in the world. When we truly understand that we are loved without conditions, it changes everything about how we approach life and its challenges. This love becomes our anchor, our starting point, and our constant truth no matter what lies ahead.


Reflection Question
How might your daily life look different if you truly believed and lived from the understanding that you are unconditionally loved by God?

"The first part of the journey is that we are loved. Richard Rohr says we can't even start the spiritual journey until we understand that about ourselves."

Prayer
Loving Spirit, help me to truly grasp and believe that I am Your beloved child. Let this truth sink deep into my heart and transform how I see myself and others. Guide me to live from this place of being loved, not from a place of trying to earn love. Amen.