Somewhere along the way, a lot of us picked up the idea that holy equals harsh — the more you punish yourself, the closer you are to God. That story isn’t in the Bible. It’s in our fear. Mental health is massive and often swept into the church broom closet. We talk about sacrifices and standards, and forget that people quietly wrestle with shame, exhaustion, and the crushing sense of not measuring up. In striving cultures — where expectations are high and smiles are mandatory on Sabbath — falling short becomes a private grief and a public performance.
Behind the hymns and potluck small talk, many of us carry a persistent voice whispering: “Not enough.” It saps courage, drains ministry, and makes God feel conditional. But here’s the gospel that changes everything: God wants you to see yourself honestly and kindly. Not inflated. Not self-indulgent. But as a beloved, fearfully and wonderfully made person. Complete in Christ. Held, chosen, forgiven.
Imagine a church where people arrived not to perform, but to be known. Where confidence came from secure identity in God rather than busyness or approval. What if your presence strengthened someone else’s faith simply because you believed you were beloved? Small changes ripple. When you stop beating yourself up, you free energy for compassion, joy, and authentic service.
This isn’t soft evangelicalism. It’s spiritual realism. Loving yourself as God loves you is a form of worship. It honors the Creator who invested in your worth. So give yourself the grace you hand out to others. Walk with a lighter step. Be the person who leaves the room and makes others feel steadier in God’s love — because you are steady first. This freedom is radical, practical, and deeply contagious too.
