Fighting the Lie of Not Good Enoughნიმუში

What If Other People Don’t Like Me?

Sometimes, I’m jealous of animals. I know there are lots of things about animal life I would never want to experience: I don’t want to live outside, and dry dog food is not a delicacy I want on my plate.

It’s not what animals have that triggers a hint of jealousy in my heart, it’s what they don’t have. They don’t have the same emotions as we do.

I’m jealous because animals don’t feel lasting things in response to what’s been said to them.

A polar bear has never been told her fur isn’t white enough. A cow has never been called fat by another cow. A mouse has never felt belittled because she was called dumb. It doesn’t matter what family a bird comes from because no one has ever told her that her family is trash.

But when someone makes these kinds of comments to us, it hurts. It hurts deeply.

You know what I’m talking about. A comment made by a brother, sister, classmate, or maybe even an adult—these people are mere mortals, humans with an earthly beginning and end, beings who are born sinful. But when people speak nasty things to you, especially if the same comment is made over and over, it’s really hard not to believe it. Convincing yourself that what they’ve said isn’t true is harder than it sounds. But what if instead of trying to convince yourself their words aren’t true, you considered what is true. What if you put your trust in God and his truth?

Every time someone else’s words try to make you feel unworthy or not good enough, I want you to have the conversation below with yourself as a reminder to put your trust in what God says about you.

Does (insert name) determine my worth?

No. (Name) does not determine my worth.

Who does determine my worth?

God.

What does God say about me?

He says I am fearfully and wonderfully made by him.

He says he loves me so much he sent his Son to die for me.

He says that even when I feel alone, drowning in awful words others have said to me, he is with me.

Prayer Prompt: Tell God about the words and people who have hurt you. Explain how they make you feel. Ask him to help you feel his love and remind you of your worth.