Understanding who we are is critical in knowing we are loved. It can feel difficult to believe, and I think what we’re really asking is WHY we are loved. If it’s true that we’re loved unconditionally, there’s a reason, right? I’ve spent the last several years asking God to help me identify as His daughter, His kid, because I know my identity flows from His. I often ask Him to show me my identity, rooted unconsciously in “who” I am or “what” I do…but I’m asking the wrong questions.

We all need to feel okay. And we (I, anyway) have spent a lot of time unconsciously trying to “prove” I’m lovable. “Lord, didn’t I do xyz in your name? Does THAT make me lovable now?” …of course it doesn’t. “that” never stood a chance, and I so often felt hollow and desperate in my requests.

What He’s showing me now: I’m loving well. I’m creative and smart; I’m funny. But these are gifts He GAVE me. He GAVE me…well…ME. This vessel my soul is cruising around in may be temporary, but it’s a gift none the less. He’s called me to use the talents He’s GIFTED to me, using the body He GAVE me, for His glory and the good of His people.

Really: WHY would God love us because of gifts HE provided? “Hey kid, I love you because you’re using all the gifts I gave you and busting tail.” Nah. It’s more, “Hey kid. I love you because you’re my kid.” And THEN maybe a, “Way to use those gifts!” Sure He loves seeing our love in action, but loving us FOR things we had nothing to do with providing doesn’t make sense.

Further….if I’m NOT using all of my gifts, I can feel like I’m not living to potential. I’m “wasting” my gifts, and thus condemning myself. But that doesn’t make sense either. If He loves us simply because we’re us, a piece of HIM, created FROM Him, to be loved BY Him…how or how often we use our gifts makes zero impact on how much we’re loved. His love doesn’t ebb and flow like our human love.

What a relief.

Of course, He celebrates with us every time we love well. He celebrates our victories with us, in us. He calls us to action daily; how exciting when we hear and heed His call!

I believe, in Christ and the one who sent Him. That’s enough. That’s what matters. But how fortunate we also get to express love and gratitude in bearing fruit along side Him.

One million percent of our value comes from our Creator. We produce the fruit of love and gratitude, because He first loved us. He’s made me creative, approachable, capable, loving, kind, cognizant, smart, funny, LOVABLE, ENOUGH. But I’m LOVABLE and ENOUGH regardless of the afore mentioned characteristics.

What has He gifted YOU with? Which adventure is He calling you to take, using the gifts He’s given, BECAUSE He loves you, and for no other reason than being His? Celebrate this truth as you exercise your talents for His glory, and the good of His people. You are loved, and you are enough.