**Sip Saturday is written by our Saturday morning contributor, M.H. Elrich. A beautifully gifted Christian author who seeks to honor the Trinity in her writing. She hopes that her words will encourage women to draw closer to God, whether that is through her fantasy series or her weekly devotionals.
Cornerstone Scripture:
“Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession…”-Hebrews 3:1 ESV
“Your hair is so frizzy!”
“Four eyes!”
“Stop being such a teacher’s pet!”
“How can you not know that? Are you stupid or something?”
When I was younger, I heard such insults from my peers. I’m sure many of you have experienced times where others made fun of you for how you look or how you behave. And even though many have heard the phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” the truth is that words do hurt. They often haunt us for decades, making us wonder if we’ve done something wrong. The truth is, there’s nothing wrong with our appearance because God made us the way we are for a reason.
God cares more about the heart than he does about the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). And, as noted in this passage, He calls us holy if we are covered in the blood of his son. We are part of his royal family and adopted into his chosen people (1 Peter 2:9). Also, he states that we share “in a heavenly calling.” God calls us his workmanship and prepares deeds for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). How amazing is that! God made us a certain way, enables us to live in His holiness, and calls us to a deeper purpose.
In a world of identity confusion, we can live knowing that God has made us exactly how He wants us to be. Whether it is our pointy nose, flat chest, or thin hair, God created us in his image (Genesis 1:27). He even knew what we would like when he created us in our mother’s wombs! (Psalm 139:13). No matter what others say about us, we can rest knowing we are God’s children and loved by Him (1 John 3:2).
Today, when you’re tempted to look in the mirror and disparage yourself, remember whose you are. You are God’s daughter, his beloved, and made in His image. He knows, because of his Son, that you have been redeemed from sin and made holy. Rest in knowing your identity and worth come directly from Him.
Let’s pray.
Dear Lord, help me when I am struggling to accept the way you made me. Even if I am not beautiful in the world’s eyes, help me to see the beauty of who you made me to be. You call me holy, so let me have peace with that. In your Son’s name I pray, Amen.
You are right. Words do last for decades. I remember hurtful words that I said that never should have come out of my mouth. Thank you Lord for your grace and mercy.
It takes many encouraging words to counteract 1 negative comment. It can be hard to accept a compliment. I was talking about 1 Samuel to a friend at our monthly fellowship today. God picked David to be anointed, not his oldest brother. God knows us fully and loves us still. He knows the number of hairs on my head. Inner beauty shines out as a witness and it's eternal things that matter to God.