Being Chosen

Our current Bible study is What Does It Mean to Be Chosen, which is based on The Chosen series, Season One. The quote below from Henri Nouwen made me think of something we've discussed during the study: How do we feel about using the word "chosen" to describe ourselves? I appreciate Nouwen's reflection on being "chosen." Pastor Amy

“When we claim and constantly reclaim the truth of being the chosen ones, we soon discover within ourselves a deep desire to reveal to others their own chosenness. Instead of making us feel that we are better, more precious or valuable than others, our awareness of being chosen opens our eyes to the chosenness of others. That is the great joy of being chosen: the discovery that others are chosen as well. In the house of God there are many mansions. There is a place for everyone - a unique, special place. Once we deeply trust that we ourselves are precious in God's eyes, we are able to recognize the preciousness of others and their unique places in God's heart.”

― Henri J.M. Nouwen, "Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World"

One way to imagine chosenness as Nouwen describes it is that we are all strands of thread in a knitted, woven, or crocheted item. Every strand is necessary to create the whole and is dearly loved. YOU are necessary and dearly loved.