Rick Warren's Daily DevotionalSample

God Says You're Acceptable

Many of us base our self-confidence on what other people think, so we work hard at being accepted. We buy things, we wear things, we join things -- all just for the benefit of trying to be accepted by our friends, family, co-workers and peers.

Does God say you have to earn acceptance? That you could ever deserve it? No. The Bible just says, God has accepted you.

If you're a believer, then you've accepted Jesus into your life. But do you understand that God accepts you? He loves you unconditionally and accepts you for who you are.

Some of you grew up with unpleasable parents. No matter what you did it was never, ever good enough. Even today you're still trying to earn their love and approval.

If that's the case -- with your parents or with anyone else you've been seeking to please -- there are two things you need to know:

First, in all likelihood, you're never going to get that approval or acceptance. Not because of who you are but because of who they are. Second, you don't need their approval because you are acceptable to God. You don't need their approval to be happy.

You only need the love and approval of one person, and you already have it: God says you are acceptable!