WEEK 3, DAY 20: ACCEPTANCE
Scripture Reference: Luke 4:16-30
God loves you the way you are. Well, I mean at least that’s what we’ve all been told right? We may have heard it before, but how many of us believe it? For us to believe such a thing, we have to first understand one very important truth. More than likely, God doesn’t see you the way you see yourself!
It’s easy for us to believe that we’re not loved when we don’t love ourselves. It’s easy to believe we’re not accepted if we don’t accept ourselves. The truth is, these are lies from the enemy. The devil is seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Often he does this by lying to us. Why do we believe him?
GOD LOVES YOU
The reality is that God paints a very beautiful picture of how He sees us throughout scripture. Here are a couple of examples: He says we are “chosen”, “royal”, “holy”, “a people for God’s own possession” (1 Peter 2:9). In Colossians, He reminds us that we are not simply made by Him but we are made for Him! “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him” (Colossians 1:16). God literally created you for His own enjoyment. Isn’t that amazing? The God of heaven and earth not only loves you, but He likes you! He wants to be around you. His goodness towards us isn’t some obligatory action, but it’s a gift given to those He considers his own!
We have choices in this life. First, we can choose to believe what others think about us. Second, we can choose to believe what we think of ourselves. Or we can make the right choice, the choice to believe what God says about us!
FINDING ACCEPTANCE
We must stop looking for the acceptance of others and realize we’re already accepted by God! My friend, God isn’t holding anything against you, and He won’t withhold anything from you! He is mindful of you (Ps. 8). He desires you. He loves you! You are “fearfully and wonderfully made” in His own image. You, my brother or sister, are accepted by your Creator. Now, step into the light and embrace everything you are in Him.
— Shaun Cummings, 1Church Movement
Time to Contemplate:
- What lies have I believed from the enemy that have changed how I see myself?
- What would happen in my life if I actually started to believe 1 Peter 2:9 and Colossians 1:16?
Pray:
God, Thank you for accepting me. Thank you for your goodness towards me. Teach me to ignore the lies of the enemy that tell me I’m not good enough. Teach me believe in all that you say about me. I am accepted by you! What an amazing gift that is. May I learn to walk in that truth and never forget it. In Jesus Name Amen
