In a world that often tells you who you should be or how you should love, it can be easy to question your place in God’s plan. Perhaps you feel like you don’t quite fit the mold or wonder if God truly accepts you as you are. But what if the very thing you question—the way you love and the way you are created—is part of God’s perfect design?
The Lie of Perfection
Too often, we internalize the idea that to be a true Christian, we must fit into a specific mold of what faith looks like. We think that loving Jesus means looking, acting, and loving a certain way. This leads many to hide parts of themselves, fearing they’ll never measure up to an idealized version of holiness.
But that’s not how God works.
God’s Design and Purpose
Psalm 139:13-14 says: “For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” God doesn’t make mistakes. The way you were created, the way you love, and the way you experience the world is part of His intentional plan. He made you, and He called it good.
God doesn’t make mistakes in how He shapes us. Whether in our sexuality, our struggles, or our victories, we are His creation, each designed for a unique purpose. Your experiences, including your journey of reconciling your faith and your identity, are part of the sacred and beautiful work He is doing in you.
The Invitation to Love
In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus tells us the greatest commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” At the heart of the Christian walk is love—love for God and love for others. This love doesn’t require perfection; it invites you to bring your true self into the relationship.
You don’t have to change who you are to be loved by God. You don’t have to pretend to be someone else to fit into His family. He loves you as you are, and He wants you to love others from that place of deep, authentic acceptance.
God Sees You
No matter the struggles you face, God sees you. He knows you. He understands the complexities of your heart. Hebrews 4:15-16 says: “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Jesus empathizes with your struggles and invites you to come as you are, knowing you will find grace and mercy.
Walking in Grace
As you walk with Christ, it’s important to remember that the Christian journey is not about perfection; it’s about grace. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Your struggles don’t disqualify you from God’s love. In fact, it is often through your weaknesses that God’s grace shines brightest.
Practical Steps to Embrace Your Journey
- Embrace God’s Love for You: Understand that God loves you as you are, and He is proud of the person He created you to be. Your identity in Christ is secure.
- Seek Community: Find people who can walk alongside you without judgment, people who can encourage you to be your true self in Christ.
- Live Authentically: Don’t hide who you are. Bring your full self to God, knowing that He loves you completely.
- Rest in Grace: When you fall short or face challenges, don’t try to earn God’s love. Rest in His grace, knowing that His power is made perfect in your weakness.
A Prayer for Grace
Lord, thank You for making me just as I am. Help me to embrace Your love and truth in my life. Teach me to walk confidently in who You’ve called me to be, knowing that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. May I live authentically, without fear of judgment, and receive Your grace as I navigate my journey. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Moving Forward
You are loved by God, exactly as you are. You don’t need to hide your true self or change to fit in. God sees you, loves you, and is walking with you every step of the way. When you embrace His grace, you find the freedom to be your whole self, and in that space, God will do incredible things in and through you.
Remember:
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
You are loved.
You are enough, just as you are.
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39
Last modified: December 13, 2024
