Acceptance is one of our innate social needs. We go from friendship to friendship. One relationship to another. Sometimes, there is struggle even within our own families. All because we just want to be accepted for who we are.
But if we realize that there is someone who knows all about us fully. Someone who knows our history, our present struggles, what’s in our minds and what is truly in our hearts — and still loves us COMPLETELY and unconditionally. We will no longer unnecessarily seek validation and affirmation from others.
“You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.” Psalm 139:2-4
Immutable love
When we know that the King of Kings loves us. That He is calling us to His embrace in spite of our flaws and disobedience. We can peacefully move on with our lives choosing to honor the one who loved us first.
We will no longer stress ourselves out just to fit in. We will choose to do good and strive for excellence, not because we want social acceptance. Instead, we do our best because we want to be good stewards of the life and the gifts God has given us.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8
Likewise, when we are assured that someone loves us for who we are, it will be easier for us to love others the same way too. We can be more accepting of their flaws. And we can choose to focus more on their goodness and strengths.
Thank you for reading our devotional today. Kindly read Romans 8:35-39 for a deeper dive on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Do you seek acceptance and validation from others, to the point that you are not happy anymore with the things that you do but you are still constrained to do them? How does knowing
that God loves us for who we are help you move on from stressing to be accepted by others, to just living an honorable life that pleases God?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for loving me for who I am. Thank you, you love me inspite of my flaws. Give me the grace to continue pressing on the path towards you, and accept others as well the way you do.