We’ve been talking about religious hypocrisy—in ourselves. This isn’t about being ourselves up, but about honest self-evaluation as we strive to grow and become more like Jesus.

But that’s just what can happen. We beat ourselves up. The more we examine ourselves to see our sin, the more sin we see! It can be discouraging.

The apostle Paul is so very honest. He writes: “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do… For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out” (Romans 7:15, 18).

How very true! 

That’s why you need to remember that you are loved by God—a lot.

Another apostle, John, said it clearly: “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” (1 John 3:1)

If someone in my family makes a mistake, does that mean I love them any less? No. If I make a mistake does that mean they love me any less? No. When you make a mistake does that mean God loves you any less?

A friend was telling me about holding his newborn baby girl in his arms for the first time. He gazed down at her, so previous and tiny. “I can’t believe how much I love this little person—this person I would give my life for—this person who I’ve only known for a few minutes!”

So it is with God’s love for you, and more.

Do you sin? Yes. 
Do you do some things you hate? Yes.
Do you lack the ability to be holy on your own? Yes.

But with God’s help you grow day by day in the arms of someone who loves you and gives his life for you.

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

Notes:

–The Up Devotional is published 5 days a week (Monday-Friday) and resumes on January 27, 2025.

–Bible quotes are from the NIV.