“Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” (3 John 1:11)
Those in Christ are often referred to as “beloved.” Remarkably, this designation is usually made in the context of an exhortation not to succumb to some form of evil. (Rom. 12:19; 1 Cor. 4:14; 10:14; 2 Cor. 7:1; Php. 2:12; 4:1; Col. 3:12; Heb. 6:9; James 1:16,19; 1 Pet.2:11; 2 Pet. 3:1,8,14,17; 1 Jn. 4:1,7,11; 3 Jn 1:11; Jude 1:3,17,20).
Good people can do evil. Saints can still sin. But do they have to? No, they have been given the liberty and power in Christ to never render evil to any man; but always follow that which is good. (1 Thes. 5:15) Through an experience of the love of God, mean people become kind; hard people become gentle; hateful people become loving.
So many go through life hoping to meet that one person whose love can transform them. They know they need taming. They want their sharp edges removed; their sourness turned sweet. Where oh where can this lover of our soul be found – this beauty whose love will save the beast?
Jesus Christ is mankind’s only Savior. His love, which forgives us much, causes us to love much. His love, which has provided us so great a salvation, enables us to perfectly love God and man. We can love because we first have been loved.
Those who are the Lord’s beloved should never bemoan not being loved by any other. His grace is sufficient. His love is enough. The quest is over. And now, He says: “Go, beloved! Love even as I have loved you!”