Scripture

Galatians 5:25-26 (New Living Translation)

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.

Consider

Conceit and envy are flip sides of the same belief: My value as a person depends on how well my life compares with yours. Whether we feel superior to others or inferior, those feelings indicate an area in our lives that is still submitted to the world’s leading rather than to the Spirit’s.

When we live in the Spirit, we seek God’s approval above anyone else’s. We eagerly watch for signs that the Spirit is transforming us into the likeness of Christ, a process that strips away lies and expectations that the world lays on us and makes us available for God’s work. When our value depends on God’s opinion of us, we can avoid conflict with others that is rooted in jealousy and defensive behaviors meant to conceal our flaws and weaknesses.

Through his Word God assures us that he loves and cherishes us just as he made us, with nothing added or subtracted.

Pray

FATHER, make your love for me so real that I can appreciate my worth without constantly comparing myself to others. Help me to recognize when my relationship difficulties are rooted in my need to feel important and valued, and give me the grace to turn to you to get those needs met. Thank you for the cross as irrefutable proof of your deep and extravagant love for me.

Reflect

Psalm 139:14;  2 Corinthians 3:18;  1 John 3:1

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How has the world lied to you about your worth?