You Matter

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 tragedies all over our nation have grabbed the headlines. It should! From our government to specific businesses, to our youth, their actions say, “You don’t matter. You mean nothing to us. We don’t care you’re (fill in the blank).” They haven’t said so in words, but their actions demonstrate their lack of compassion and problem-solving in bold, capital letters.

“By their fruit you will know them.” “Actions speak louder than words.” We’ve heard this over and over. Still true.

There are also seemingly little things 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?

Remember when I did such-and-such? You owe me.

The world shuts out and shuts down a person’s value, unless they drink their Kool-Aid. But not the Father. He sent his son as an example and sacrifice for us. 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 who 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 who 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; they can also 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 truly grasp how much the Father loves us! Here are a few verses that prove how valuable and loved you are:

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.

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.

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. Please help us to help others realize their value, too.

Amen.