"Behold, you are beautiful, my love; behold, you are beautiful; your eyes are doves."

This is the astonishing fact. The Lord Jesus looks upon us in love, tough we are sinful saints.

Song of Songs 1:5-6

“I am black but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, Like the tents of Kedar, Like the curtains of Solomon. Do not stare at me because I am dark, For the sun has burned me. My mother’s sons were angry with me; They made me caretaker of the vineyards, But I have not taken care of my own vineyard."

Righteousness has been imputed, and we are new creations. Our numerous and notorious falls have not diminished his love or our beauty. This astonishing fact binds us to love him, when received by the Spirit. It humbles us to worship at his feet.

Do not reject these glorious words. They are spoken to confessed sinners who trust him!

First, he loves us. "You are beautiful, my love." You are loved by God, who set his love upon us freely. His love is in Christ, based upon his perfect person and work! It was never because we were good enough, and never because we were a small sinners. No, he loved us because God will glorify his grace by lifting us to the highest heaven at his right hand. Ephesians 2:7, "so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace through His kindness to us in Christ Jesus." He loved us, so he took away our sins.

This love is PERMANENT AND UNCHANGING; it's not subject to our behavior. It does not waver. Therefore, receive this love, when you are broken. Go before him again to receive more grace.

Secondly, "You are beautiful." Nothing has changed. Sin hasn't run you out of favor. Imputed righteousness stands strong, like a mighty oak in the gentlest breeze. Your new nature can't be eradicated. The flesh may lead you to sin, but Paul says, "So now I am no longer the one doing it, but it is sin living in me [Rom 7:17]." The seed of holiness and incorruptibility is inside you: it never dirties or stains.

You are beautiful in faith, love, and the indwelling of the Spirit. He may grieve, but he'll never depart from you!

Thirdly, God sees us looking to him! "You have dove's eyes." Faith, in spite of all our vileness, makes us perfectly acceptable! Faith says, "I trust you to save me and love me, just because of Christ." It says, "Though I'm unworthy, you are that gracious." Therefore, it glorifies God and receives the promises. Romans 4:20, "He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God." Faith acknowledges God's goodness, and thanks him for our own. It humbly receives, and offers sincere praise.

Oh, how wonderful is faith. It requires no beauty or goodness from us. It simply stands upon God's love.

We ought to adore the Lord Jesus, and we will, as we realize this grace. Don't fear. Ask him to show you in the Spirit. Ephesians 3:19, "and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Believe him.