Luke 12:6-7 – Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (NIV)

A couple of times this week, I've had friends confess to me how unworthy they feel to be loved by God. It bothers them greatly and hinders them from coming back to church. They genuinely feel that because COVID has isolated them from coming regularly to the sanctuary to worship on Sundays, they have somehow disappointed and failed God. They seem to think that this unworthiness has separated them from both the worship community and the Lord Himself.

This is very hard to bear. I can remember going through a similar time when I strayed away from the church. The feeling of unworthiness creates a barrier and forms a shell of shame around one's spirit. It's difficult to break through and overcome; it's also one of the best weapons that the devil uses to keep people away from God.

The good news is this: we are all unworthy to be loved by God, and yet — despite what we feel — God still values us and loves us endlessly. This is why Jesus told His people not to worry about their lives or be anxious about their unworthiness. God values us greatly and loves us deeply — so deeply, in fact, that God sent His Son to die for unworthy people and restore them to God's favour forever.

So, know this: we who are unworthy are welcomed back by God to worship in Christ's church, not because of who we are, but because of Who God is and what Jesus has done.

Question: What makes me feel unworthy of God's love? How has Christ overcome this for me?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, there are times when we feel that we have failed You, and, sometimes, this stops us from worshipping with others. Help us to accept that we are all unworthy, but also to accept that we are highly valued by You, and Your love for us never ends. In Your holy name, we humbly and thankfully pray. Amen.

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About the author:

John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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