Yes because you are beloved.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.” 1 John 3:1

What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” ― Hans Urs von Balthasar, Prayer

Our father has taken care of our significance. We don’t need to look to things or people to affirm our significance. Sometimes we receive affirmation from others, which is wonderful, but we don’t depend on others’ approval. We are beloved of God, which means greatly loved. This is difficult to grasp at best and impossible to comprehend at worst. But it’s true. God is not a liar. Jesus loved us so much that he died for us and gave us the Holy Spirit. When we truly know we are beloved, not just feel, which is incredible, we are able to influence.

 We are able to persuade.

 We are able to give space for others to change.

We are patient, or as Corinthians says, “long suffering.”

We are free to serve.

We are free to lead with courage.

We are secure.

We are content.

We don’t force ourselves or others.

We don’t threaten.

We are significant because we are his beloved.

We are able to influence others to know God’s son because God transforms us into his image.

We use our failures, mishaps, griefs and troubles to build community and share in God’s grace.

Musings

God painted such strong and sure images of who we are in Christ to demonstrate our worth and power. We are salt and light. We are overcomers. We are victorious. We are the mirror of his son. We are greatly loved. May we take this deep into our hearts and know and feel his great love, especially in the new year.

Prayer

Dear Father,

Thank you that we are wonderfully made. Thank you for the great love you have for us demonstrated in your son. Help us to really “take in” how much we are loved by you. Help us to share, gently and with respect, the love you have for others. If we are to overcome, build your kingdom and look forward to “home,” it starts and ends with love.

Amen