March 31
Many Christians Live Loved in Theory but Not in Identity.
Many believers can say, “God loves me,” but deep down they struggle to say, “God delights in me.” “God is not disappointed in me.” “God enjoys me.” “God likes me.” “God is glad I exist.” “God is patient with my journey.” “God sees beauty in my story.” “God has affection for me, not just mercy.” “God’s love is not based on how well I perform.”
When our identity is fragile, even small failures feel catastrophic. Even minor criticisms seem threatening, and small setbacks appear defining. Without a secure sense of self, we tend to strive, perform, hide, compare, fear failure, fear exposure, fear rejection, and worry that love is conditional.
But none of these are the fruit of the Spirit; they are the fruit of insecurity.
Finding our identity in the Father’s love frees us.
A Love Beyond Measure: Page 120
Many believers can say, “God loves me,” but deep down they struggle to say, “God delights in me.” “God is not disappointed in me.” “God enjoys me.” “God likes me.” “God is glad I exist.” “God is patient with my journey.” “God sees beauty in my story.” “God has affection for me, not just mercy.” “God’s love is not based on how well I perform.”
When our identity is fragile, even small failures feel catastrophic. Even minor criticisms seem threatening, and small setbacks appear defining. Without a secure sense of self, we tend to strive, perform, hide, compare, fear failure, fear exposure, fear rejection, and worry that love is conditional.
But none of these are the fruit of the Spirit; they are the fruit of insecurity.
Finding our identity in the Father’s love frees us.
A Love Beyond Measure: Page 120