Three times in the book of Daniel, he is referred to as “Greatly Beloved”. Those words caught my attention as I pondered what it meant to be “Greatly Beloved”. We all seek to be loved, we know that God loves us because He sent His Son to die for our sins; but what does it mean to be “Greatly Beloved”. Why was Daniel referred to in this way?

Daniel 1:8 “ But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.”

Daniel 6:4 “Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault on him.”

Daniel 6:10 “Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”

1. Daniel purposed not to define himself with the things of the world; 2. He was found faithful; and, 3. He spent time praying and giving thanks to God three times a day.

Daniel 10:19 “And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yes, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.”

Daniel was greatly beloved because he remained pure, he remained faithful and he remained constant in prayer and thankfulness before his God.

Because of his faithfulness and close relationship with God, he was given wisdom and insight into the things of God. He was given the opportunity to see and understand things that no one else could comprehend, but it took time spent talking to God on a personal level by which this close relationship was established. If we treat God as a casual acquaintance with whom we rarely speak, we can not expect Him to reveal Himself to us on a personal level. When we can’t hear God speaking and we feel a cold distance between us, it’s not because of a lack of God’s love for us. It’s because of a lack of our love for Him.

If we want to become “Greatly Beloved”, we need to purpose in our hearts to not become defiled by this world, to be found faithful following His commandments and to continue in prayer and thankfulness before God. Then we can experience the type of relationship that Daniel has with God. There is plenty of God’s love to go around, we are the only limiting factor. We too can be “Greatly Beloved”.

II Corinthians 7:1 “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

Philippians 4:7-8 “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”

Philippians 4:1 “Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.”