TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2
Listen: Ephesians 5
TODAY’S MESSAGE
We form our identity from many things, both good and bad. Our place of employment, the school district in which we live, the college we attended or the car we drive— often we use these good things to project an image of how we hope people view us. But we can also form our self-image from things we perceive as failures and disappointments such as unemployment or underemployment, an inability to get ahead financially or children who are spiritually disinterested. It can also be whatever we think is the worst thing we’ve ever done.
But that’s not how God defines us. He doesn’t value us because of what we have or don’t have. Or because of what we’ve done or not done. He values us merely because we are his! When we place our faith and trust in Jesus’ death on the cross to pay for our sins—we become a deeply loved child of the Father! There is no greater identity than to be the cherished son or beloved daughter of the Creator of the universe.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
As we fill in our journal responses today, end with these words, “This is ______________, your treasured child.” Fill in the blank with your name. Then, listen to the song Reckless Love by Cory Asbury. Let these words wash over you to remind you this weekend of God’s overwhelming, never-ending, reckless love for you.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
