Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.~ Eph. 5:1-2 (ESV)
My identity as a beloved child of God embraces both who I am now and who I am becoming. I am infinitely loved by God who has blessed me with unique gifts. Through the gifts He has given me I am being renewed in His divine image that I am to bear back into the world. How I bear His message is unique to me.
My core identity, the one that exists despite the choices and mistakes that I have made in life, comes with particular gifts. Individual gifts and graces are an expression of God’s love to me and a confirmation of my belovedness. I am not like anyone else. I do not think, act or serve like anyone else. God’s love sets me wholly free to be myself and free to be for others the image of a loving God.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for walking hand in hand with me through life’s journey. Even when I detour from the path you would You would have me follow, I find You still with me. Thank You for Your whispers guiding me back. Help me to bear Your love to the world as my sacrifice of thanks. May my love for You grow ever stronger. Amen.