I’m sure you’ve heard them. Those endearing names one has for another. I’m reminded of a scene from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as the Baron and Baroness Bomburst sing of their undying love toward one another. It is filled with terms of endearment such as, “my little chu-chi,” or “lovey dovey teddy bear” and together they were a “chu-chi woo-chi, oo-chi coo-chi pair.”

Of course these were made up words and terms for a couple who had some real bonding issues. All the while singing of their love for each other, they were trying very hard to cause some disaster to come upon the other.

But I’m also sure you’ve heard real, live people, people whom you know, use terms of endearment for another. “Honey.” “Sweetheart.” “Pickle.” “Darling.” Perhaps you can think of some as well. These terms show the loved one and those around that there is a special bond between the two. It’s meaningful because there is a relationship.

Those who belong to God, who have a relationship with Him are also called by different terms of endearment. These terms are sometimes spoken by God, sometimes by Jesus and then other times by biblical authors. Regardless of who shared these terms, know that God meant each and every one of them. He loves us more than we can imagine and His words overflow with His great love.

So let’s look at some of these terms.

In Exodus 19:3 (NIV), Moses hears these words from God. “This is what you are to say to the house of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel.” It’s a start, but later, Israel is given a new name.

“You are the children of the Lord your God.” (Deuteronomy 14:1 – NIV) A relationship between God and the Hebrew nation was shared with the world.

The beautiful analogy of Psalm 23 shows a close bond between the sheep and its shepherd. The relationship between us and God is the same.

In Micah 4, the term daughter is used multiple times. “Daughter of Zion” and “Daughter of Jerusalem” are the terms.

Then in the New Testament, we find other terms that show the growth of the relationship between God and those whom He loves.

We see “children of God” in Romans 8:14.

2 Corinthians 6:18 (NIV) says, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.” (Ephesians 2:19 – NIV)

I love Ephesians 5:1 (NIV). “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children.”

As Jesus and God are the Light of this world, we are also to be light. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.” (Ephesians 5:8 – NIV)

In Colossians 3:12 (NIV), we come to understand who we are and how we are to live because of our relationship with the Father. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

While Jesus didn’t use specific terms of endearment for the disciples who followed Him through His earthly ministry, we see a great connection between them in His prayer of John 17:6-19. He begins the section defining who He is speaking of.

“I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.” (John 17:6 – NIV) I don’t know that I’ve ever heard more beautiful words. A gift from God to Jesus. His disciples.

Jesus continued with thoughts of protection “by the power of God’s name,” unity, full measure of Jesus’ joy, God’s word, sanctification, and truth. What a wonderful Savior we have in Jesus Christ!

I pray that you know just how much God loves you today. I pray that as you read Scripture today that you will see some of these terms of endearment. I pray that God’s love for you will jump off the pages and you will know that when He calls you His child, you believe it.

Perhaps I’ve missed your favorite term of endearment. If so, please share it with me. There’s always more room for encouragement here.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna