“I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.” –Psalm 34:4-5

Many of us feel condemned all the time. And, sin can be deadly, but it also can be redeemed.

The irony of many Christian denominations is in trying to preach the gospel while also teaching the deadliness of sin. They impose into the deep, spiritual DNA of people an ongoing, soul-gripping feeling of shame. We think, “I’m never good enough,” “I will always be messed up,” “I will always have this thing in my life that I can never show because, until I’m perfect and get all the rules right, I’ll never fit in.”

Jesus dealt a lot with that soul-killing legalism that produces shame. He came to tell you that you do deserve love and belonging. You may need to repent, but then you need not to be ashamed. He loves you and you belong to him.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I am good enough because I am your beloved child. Thank you for forgiving me. Thank you that, if I’m feeling as if I belong nowhere else in this world, I know I belong to you. Amen.

REFLECTION: What is it about the concept of “belonging” that gives you a sense of peace?