All my life, I’ve run the hamster wheel of achievement and acceptance; a first-born, Type-A control freak, looking for love. I believed my worth was determined by what I could offer. I felt unseen and unheard—unless I performed. So I put every effort into saying and doing all the right things to earn love from others and from God. Although I didn’t have words for it then, I believed I was not worthy of love unless I earned it—even God’s love. As much as I hate to admit it, the temptation to strive creeps back. I know I am loved, but I’m still tempted to perform, to be worthy of love.
In order to deepen our faith, let’s remind ourselves of what is true: We are loved. We do not have to do anything, say anything, or perform anything. Simply by being, we are loved. It’s at the core of our identity, the centerpiece of our very existence. We are adopted heirs of the throne, daughters of a King. His love knows no bounds. It is an everlasting, all-consuming fire that invades our hearts, transform us, and turns our world upside down.
No amount of loss or sadness or rejection separates us from his great and marvelous love. No amount of manipulating, toiling, or approval-seeking will ever increase his love for us or bring us into right relationship with Jesus. Freedom has already come. It is found at the foot of the Cross, where Christ took our lack upon himself and declared that he is enough. He has bought us at a price and we are set free. That is true love. It’s radical, extraordinary love that cannot be undone or outrun.
Rebekah Lyons is the author of You Are Free: Be Who You Already Are (Zondervan) and cofounder of Q Ideas. Learn more at RebekahLyons.com.
