You Are Valuable

“For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.” 1 Peter 1:8-19 NIV

“People who add value to others do so intentionally. I say that because to add value, leaders must give of themselves and that rarely occurs by accident.” John C. Maxwell

The recent tragedy in Palestine, Ohio, has grabbed the headlines. It should! From our government to the businesses involved, their actions say “You don’t matter. You mean nothing to us. We don’t care you’re living in a chemical death trap.” They haven’t said so in words, but their actions demonstrate their lack of compassion and problem-solving in bold, capital letters.

There are little things too that convey someone doesn’t matter like:

Kids should be seen and not heard.

They’re old now. What use are they?

That was last month. What have you done for me lately?

The unborn.

The world shuts out and shuts down a person’s value. But not the Father. He sent his son as an example and sacrifice for we hostile people. And we in turn are to do it for others.

You are valuable. You are loved. You matter.

Have there been people in your life that demonstrated their love as well as said it? They’re out there. My dear friend, who passed away recently, always had a pot of coffee and a smile. We did embrace and say we loved each other. Even during Covid we’d have delightful conversations.

Have you had people in your life that said they loved you but their actions said differently? Domestic abuse is one dramatic and tragic example.

Love is a verb. And it’s done whether we feel like it or not. Good feelings are nice but they’re not the only thing and can be wrong.

Our Father demonstrated his love for us while we were hostile toward him and still does.

We will be powerful if we start and really take in how much the Father loves us! Here are a few verses that prove how valuable and loved you are:

Matthew 10:31

1 Corinthians 6:20

1 Timothy 4:8

Psalm 116:15 –This one is such comfort. Our Father’s love for the saints who’ve passed on.

Romans 5:8

Ephesians 2:4-9

Romans 8:28

There are hundreds more. The Bible is a love letter to those who love the Father, especially the New Testament. Start with the gospel of John and watch how you overcome, reach out to others and achieve things you haven’t thought were possible. You are so valuable to the Father that you will live forever.

Musings

“Self-care is a willingness to be happy and pursue joy,” Beatrice Chestnut wrote. I believe Christianity is a willingness to be happy and pursue joy. This is how we heal and help others. This is how we have an abundant life. The community in Palestine, Ohio value each other even in their tragedy and abandonment. Many who have gone there cannot say enough good about the Palestine people.

Prayer

Dear Father,

It’s so difficult to grasp how much you value us. We take it on faith and trust while the Holy Spirit transforms. We thank you for this gift. Help us to help others realize their value too.

Amen.