“Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. For we live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.” – 2 Corinthians 5: 6-8

Jesus Christ died on the cross not only to remove your sin, he died to remove your shame. He died so you could inherit the beloved-ness of being a son or daughter of God and live every day with confidence that in spite of your mistakes, God really does love you. Not only that, but he blesses you, he favors you, and he calls you his own. If you walk by faith, your works will be good because they’ll flow naturally out of the good things God is doing in your life. You don’t have to be ashamed; feel guilty sometimes, but don’t feel shame. Let that go. You are worthy of love and belonging. You are wanted by other people just as you are. Believe it and your life will change.

PRAYER: Thank you, God, for Jesus. Because of him, we don’t have to feel ashamed. Thank you for loving me. I belong to you God. Help me walk by faith, and to do good things.

REFLECTION: What communities do you feel like you belong to?