Beloved Siblings

When James turns to the churches to challenge them to be radically welcoming of the poor, he does so by reminding them that love is the final command - ‘the royal law in scripture’ as he calls it. But that royal law (‘love your neighbor’) is grounded in us being beloved ourselves. That section in James 2 that leads into loving our neighbors is launched with two simple words: “Beloved siblings…” (James 2:5).

As you long for justice today and pray for justice today and work for justice today… take a moment and remember who you are - that you’ve been given a new name, the name ‘beloved.’

To help us receive that name deep into our hearts, take a couple of minutes to listen to New Name by Common Hymnal.

New Name

Common Hymnal, Justin Gray

You've given me a new name
You've set me in a family
You pulled me out of my pain
You're never walking out on me

You've given me a new name
You've told me that you love me
You set me in a safe place
Where you are my security

You're singing over me
You're singing over me
You're singing over me
The song of love

This is my new name
This is where you brought me
I'm living in a wild place
Where you're making me a masterpiece

This is my story
This is my song
This is my perfect father's love
This is my story
This is my song
This is my perfect father's love

Thank you for my new name
Thank you for my family
I could never repay
A love that gave it all for me