“Just be me, who God made me to be” Lisa Stenger

God’s love takes many forms throughout scripture. As a matter of fact, the author of the word provides us with ample examples of how to love one another. While writing the curriculum for “True Reflection: Focusing on our precious identity with purpose,” I have received countless words of encouragement and support. Yet, I was torn down when one person questioned my authority of sharing and writing about scripture. They assumed I lacked a biblical theology education experience. They failed to ask. The message of this women’s bible study is that we are loved and important in our creators’ eyes. You can see how evil was at work through this person’s words.

God gives us what we need to fulfill his purpose. That also means, you don’t need any formal training to share who Jesus is and what he’s done in your life. As someone recently told me, “You just do it and share Jesus with anyone that will listen.” The birth of the “True Reflection” bible study came from wanting to share God’s message of truth with others. The growth of the study came from a continuation of scripture and messages of God’s grace, hope and love. And by this I am reminded that if it is ABOUT GOD, FOR GOD, then it is FROM GOD and must be shared with others to grow his kingdom in love. When you are questioning your capabilities, draw from the strength of Jesus. When you are grading your worth based on your accomplishment and performance, draw from the unconditional love of God.

There is nothing you can do to make God love you any less or more.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV

God has given a gift to us all. The gift of salvation! Apostle Paul was sent out by Jesus and believed all people were in need of salvation. Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians how by God’s grace through our faith we are saved. He continues to share how there is nothing we can do that is so horrible that God will love us any less. In the same sentence there is nothing we can do that will impress or win God’s love more. God’s love is freely given to all his masterpieces. You are God’s masterpiece, loved from the first moment God thought to create you. God’s love is not like worldly people’s love, it is unconditional without having to earn it. That also means, anyone who boasts about their good works or accomplishments do not have a one up in receiving the love of God. Which also means the person who murdered someone who accepts Jesus as their savior in prison is as worthy of God’s love as the person who is the pillar of the church.

Reflection Questions:

1. Is there anything currently that you are pushing aside because you feel inadequate in?

a. What is holding you back?

b. What self-core belief are you struggling with? (Intellectual, physical, spiritual, relational, etc.)

c. What do you need to believe to feel adequate to move forward in this area?

2. What are you currently doing to feel accomplished or to show success in your performance to others?

a. What are you hoping to achieve with this?

b. What is the purpose of this need?

c. How does this align with your faith in God’s love for you?

3. Is there something you currently are trying to earn the approval of others in?

a. Is this for your workplace recognition and advancement?

b. Is this to prove to yourself that you can achieve it?

c. Why is this important to you?

d. What will you gain from this?

4. How are you trying to win the love of God or another person currently?

a. Why is this important to you?

b. What will happen if the persons’ love is not returned in the way you expected?

Pray:

God,

I take refuge in you. Rescue me from myself. Deliver me from the hands of the wicked and pull me out from their cruelty. My hope is in you, I have confidence that your strength will be enough for me. When I deny my gifts and worthiness, and when others conspire to speak against me, rescue me! Even when I’m old and gray, your mighty acts will see me through my troubles. I seek your unconditional love as it brings comfort to me. May my lips shout for joy, and praise you, for you have delivered me out of confusion and my times of trouble. For your faithfulness restores me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!

Listen to:

“Perfectly Loved” sung by Rachael Lampa (Written by Andrew Ripp, Ethan Hulse and Rachael Lampa) To see full lyrics and why Rachael wrote this song visit https://www.wcicfm.org/song/perfectly-loved/

Beginning song lyrics to “Perfectly Loved” by Rachael Lampa

Who said that you weren’t beautiful
And that you didn’t belong in your own skin
Who said that you were all alone
And you’re never gonna find love again
So many little words, so many little lies
That have followed you all of your life
Looking for the truth
Look into your eyes
And you’ll see its been there the whole time

Even when you were running
Even when you were hiding
Never been a moment
That you were not Perfectly Loved
When you barely believed it
When your eyes couldn’t see it
Every single moment
You’ve always been Perfectly Loved
Perfectly Loved