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“But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:8

Do you ever have those days when you feel unlovable? Like you can’t do anything right or say anything right. (You know this because others get irritated with you, and you’re not sure why exactly.) Maybe you feel unlovable because when you look in the mirror and see only ugliness—despite your inherent beauty, based on both objective reality and the fact that you are created in the image of God. This sense of “unlovableness” may also result from sheer fatigue. Being battered daily by work, lack of sleep, physical pain, even the bad news blaring from whatever screen you spend time watching, colors our self-perception in myriad ways (and never for good).

What about unlovable’s cousin, unloved? This one probably warrants an astounding “yes” from us all—feeling unloved is sadly quite prevalent. (Especially in today’s world digital connectedness that creates only shallow relationships and false community. Especially for young people. But that’s another rant—I mean, story.) You may feel unloved because you’ve not found the spouse you’ve been praying for. Or you’ve lost your spouse—through death, divorce, or emotional abandonment. Moms and dads can feel unloved when children don’t answer their calls or tell them the truth about their lives. And when a friend betrays us (in real or imagined ways), the accusations of “You’re so unlovable!” peck at our minds like unyielding buzzards on a dead possum. (Sorry for the specific imagery there, but that’s something I see quite frequently in my ‘hood.)

Friend, know this: You are beloved by God (Jude 1-2). God’s love is unconditional, unending, unrelenting. It’s who He is (1 John 4:8,16). And it’s because of this love for us—His best creation, modeled after Himself—God sent His Son to pay the penalty for our sin and unrighteousness. (Because, although God created Man perfectly for a perfect relationship with Him, Man blew it, severing that relationship. And although God loves all people with general love and provides general grace to all, we are not all in right relationship with God.) Jesus lived a perfect life and died the death we deserve, defeating death and rebuilding the bridge to the Father. If God loves you that much, then, sweet friend, how can you possibly consider yourself unloved?

This amazing love—underserved and unearned—converts us from dark to light. Transforms us from unrighteous to righteous. Washes us white as snow when our sin made us crimson-stained. God’s love through Christ Jesus makes us holy in God’s sight. So, no matter what image you see reflected in the mirror, God sees a reflection of His perfect Son! You are lovable!

That sense of unlovedness and unloveableness comes from the pit of hell. It’s the enemy of our soul who sends those vultures to peck away at our true self-image in God. (Remember, Satan was the first creature to break a perfect relationship with God…and he wants us all in his camp.) Don’t believe the lie or give in to the devil’s trickery. God loves you! Accept His Son, Jesus, and be accepted in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:5-7). Experience the amazing love, grace, and mercy of our Lord. And know you are beloved in Him.

“Father, help me recognize the lies of the enemy that tell me I’m not loved. You love me with an everlasting, unrelenting love—may I hold fast to that Truth.

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life