Approval (Blessing): Building up or affirming another person, particularly for who they are (as opposed to what they do); affirming both the fact and the importance of our relationship with another person.( Ephesians 4:29; Mark 1:11)
One of the biggest turning points for me as a Christian was when I came to a healthy understanding of what God thought of me. I struggled with feeling worthy enough to be loved. I believed a lot of lies about myself. Sure, I believed for others 100%, but somehow I felt a little hesitant to believe He accepted and loved me.
Do you struggle too? May I share some wonderful scriptures with you that helped me? You may have seen them or heard of them. They are called “The I Am verses”. Since there is a big list of verses telling us who we are in Christ, please just don’t breeze over them. Take them in. Ask God about them, especially if one tugs at your heart.
The only way to fight negative thoughts, that sometimes intrude into our minds, is by replacing them with Truth. Often the reason we seek approval from God (when we already have it) and from others is because we were rarely acknowledged as a valued, enjoyed person at home or other key relationships. Maybe your receiving approval was based on what you did – how well you performed. You may have received a lot of personal negative jabs at your physical appearance, personality differences, or your interests. This kind of disapproval can leave you wondering, “Am I OK?” You may be comparing yourself or trying to “measure up” to others. It seems to reason that you would see God in that same way, don’t you think?
The scriptures below ARE THE TRUTH. You are 100% loved by God for no other reason than being his creation and, by grace through faith , a beloved child! You don’t have to work your way into His heart. You don’t have to “BE”or “ACT” a certain way to be in His heart. Friend, you are already IN HIS HEART! Why??? Because He loves you more than anything! While you were still a sinner He gave up His own life for YOU! (Romans 5: 8-10) Renew your mind (Romans 12:2) with these Truths daily. Believe them for yourself friend.
He does love you unconditionally, but that doesn’t automatically make everything right with Him. As Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3, “You must be born again.” The Apostle Paul notes that “all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
I love my children and grandchildren, but if they choose not to have a relationship with me, then I can still love them, but our interactions change. Children in close relationships with me and I with them enjoy more meaningful and fun times than those who don’t want a relationship. Make sense?
I don’t want you to think your response to God’s invitation to be forgiven through faith in Jesus is unimportant. It is essential to the relationship here and hereafter.
God does and will love us, but that doesn’t stop Him from disciplining us as needed. He loves you , friend, and offers a lasting relationship! Even the best gift has to be received to be enjoyed. John 1:12-13
Want to practice knowing the Truth rather than rehearsing Satan’s lies? Try these simple yet profound truths!