[PC-USA] 2000-03-18 - God Values Us

Encore from 96-10-17

There is some controversy in Christian circles, about self-esteem. Some say that too many think too highly of themselves, and some go so far as to say that having self-esteem is UnScriptural. Others believe that God wants us to think well of ourselves. So let's explore what the Word really says about what God thinks of us!

First and most obvious, God loves us a LOT. If He had not, He would not have given His own Son up to suffering and physical death for us.

John 3:16 (NIV) For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

That Is how VALUABLE we are to God. Think for a moment, about someone that you love a lot. Now imagine causing that person to suffer excruciating pain -- both physical and emotional, so others could live eternally? It would be incredibly difficult, wouldn't it! That would take profound love. Well that's what God did for us! See how precious we are to Him?

As a devotional by david@e-devotionals.org pointed out (See below*), God created man by hand. He values all the creatures, but He treasures us even more:

Mat 10:29-31 (NIV) Are not two sparrows sold for a penny ? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. 30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Sometimes we get down on ourselves for something we have done in the past. But remember, God loves us in spite of our failures. Yes, He detests sin; His holiness can't abide it. And we should strive to not sin. But He loved us so much that He provided a means of forgiving our sins. And He values us so much that He did this even though we were lost in sin, and did not deserve it at all (nor do we ever):

Rom 5:8 (NIV) But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

So if you start thinking that you are not worth anything, just remember how very much you are worth to Him. Remember that HE values you greatly. When you do something that would hurt yourself, remember that you will be hurting someone who means a lot to God, someone whom Christ suffered for.

*David's devotional: http://www.cfdevotionals.org/devpages/de960724.htm

Dear Father, please help us all to realize how much You value us. Help us to live lives of gratitude for that love and for Your gift of eternal life. In Jesus' name, amen.

: )  Jan

cfdevpray@juno.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org