Jen’s Gem: God loves you for YOU, not for what you DO.

This week I was reminded of a phone call I made to my parents when I was a freshman in college. The semester had barely begun and I had just taken my first exam. It was for a math class. In a word…it did not go well.

I can still recall the contents of the test. The entire first page was full of square root problems. The second page was algebraic. A glance at page one evoked a panic attack. Page two was a breeze.

When I got my grade, the entire world stopped spinning. A big fat “F” in bright red marker was at the top of the page. I’ve no memory of what was taught in class that day as my focus was on my failure.

You see, I had never failed a test in my life. I was a school kid. A studious student. So – what did I do? I did what any kid does when they’re in crisis. I called home. Mom and Dad to the rescue!

I explained what happened through my crocodile tears and said that I was too stupid for college. I told them that they needed to get into the car immediately, drive ten hours, and come get me. I was in the wrong place.

Ok…a bit over the top. I get it. I was young. “It’s ‘cuz I was young,” as Miley would say.

As you can see from my LinkedIn profile, my request was not granted. I remained in college and graduated. There were no more “F’s,” but there were also not a lot of “A’s” either. Yet, here I am.

It’s easy to think of ourselves as failures when things don’t go our way or we mess up royally. One mistake and our worth and value go into the toilet. But guess what? Our worth and value are not found in our grades, our achievements, our awards, or any other worldly accomplishment.

“Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31 NKJV Emphasis mine)

Do you know who said this? Do you know who said you are worth more than a bird? Jesus did. And do you know what else? Jesus never said anything that His Father hadn’t said. How do I know this? The Bible says so:

“Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” (John 5:19 NKJV Emphasis mine)

So what can we learn from this? God, the Creator of the entire universe and everything in it values you, loves you, and thinks you are so worthy that He sent His Son to die for you. (John 3:16)

My failing math grade did not change God’s mind about me. He didn’t cast me aside and say “She’ll never amount to anything.” Nope. Never ever crossed His mind. Why? Because God is love. It’s all He is. There’s no hate or condemnation or anything negative in Him. It goes against His very nature.

People may not always love you. You may not love yourself at times. But God always loves you. He can never ever NOT love you.

I want to encourage you to let that sink in for a moment. Really, let it sink in. And when that failure comes across your path, trying to derail you, toss it aside and hold on to this truth:

In God’s eyes, you are priceless.