Why you're loved just as you are
But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
– Romans 5:8
“Which parent’s love did you seek the most growing up, and who did you have to be or what did you have to do to get their approval?”
All of us in the crowded room thought for a minute and then carefully wrote our answers down, each person slowly recognizing that our upbringing still powered more of our choices and personality than we’d like to admit. Responses were mixed between “mother” or “father” and answers ranged from driven and successful, funny and entertaining, and all the way back to quiet, careful and conservative. And while that exercise was really eye-opening for a lot of people, one of the biggest thoughts I left with was about God. Here’s what I realized: No matter what our experiences with our earthly parents happened to be like growing up, this exercise about love and approval doesn’t apply to our Heavenly Father.
We don’t have to be anyone particular, do anything in particular, or have any specific qualifications in order for God to love us.
Yes, we can work to bring God glory and do His will with our thoughts, words, and actions, but He already showcased His steadfast love and approval when He sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the ultimate price for us on the cross.
When we go around seeking love and approval from our significant others, friends, or professional peers, the Lord is standing with us waiting for us to realize we’re already deeply loved and adored. While we’re reeling from that text we sent that’s gone unanswered, the one-sided relationship that’s draining us, or that project that didn’t meet the boss’ expectations, Jesus is still there, gently whispering “I’m here and I love you with an everlasting love.” He just wants our hearts to come to Him.
One of my favorite hymns, “Just As I Am” by Charlotte Elliott, says it best in the fourth and fifth verses.
Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind;
Yes, all I need, in Thee to find,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Just as I am, Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!
Remember that you, sister, are loved. You were so carefully thought out and created by a God who loved you enough to send His Son to die for your past, current, and future sin. You don’t have to put on a front or craft your personality to receive His love. Just as you are, run into His arms and be filled with the only lasting love that can truly satisfy your heart.
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Jantzen Jolly-Miller is a small business marketing professional and freelance faith writer who is on a mission to help women get real: real with themselves, with their business, and with their relationship with God and His church. In addition to being the lead content writer for Wheat and Honey Co., she blogs about personal takeaways from her life and faith walk to help women create positive change in their everyday routines at JantzenJollyMiller.com
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