WHAT DOES GOD SEE WHEN HE LOOKS AT YOU?
1 John 4:16b-21
God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
When we try to control others, it can cause serious conflicts in our relationships. So why do we do it? It comes down to fear and insecurity. Worrying about what others think of us, causes us to push them away. We long for intimacy but we sabotage our efforts because of our fears. If fear and insecurity destroy relationships, then what strengthens them? There is no fear in love because perfect love drives out fear. How does love, drive out fear? Love removes self-focus and puts our attention on God and others. Many self-help counselors say that you should focus on yourself first when you are struggling with depression. Wrong, people get depressed because they are focused on themselves, and they stop caring for others. The best thing you can do to come out of depression is focus on God and others. We live in a self-focused, instant gratification culture. But more stuff instantly, won’t bring joy or peace. I often encourage people who are depressed to get involved in serving others on a regular basis. Blessing is ours when we focus on “an audience of One”. It starts with understanding what God feels when he looks at us. Our real identity and self-worth are only found in our identity in Christ.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
If you have received Jesus as your Savior, Christ is in you. Do you know who God says you are, or out of fear are you looking to others for your identity and self-worth?