Friday, September 12, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: 1 Corinthians 10
The more I learn about the life Jesus led here on earth, the more I realize how wonderfully unshakable he was in his interactions. When the words and actions of people around him were hurtful or unfair to others, he didn't respond with snappy comments or turn to judgment or criticism. Instead, he spoke with clarity and confidence, turning the experience into a learning opportunity for all of us.
No amount of criticism, pressure, or praise ever reshaped his responses. Why? Or better yet, how? Because he knew exactly who he was, and more importantly, whose he was. Jesus' identity wasn't up for debate because he placed his trust in the unwavering love of God.
Ephesians 1:4-5a:
Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ.
"Without fault in his eyes" means your value was settled long before your circumstances, successes, or failures. God's love for you is not breakable. When you root yourself in this truth, trusting who you are in God's eyes, you can navigate relationships without being pulled apart by insecurity, comparison, or fear of rejection.
I know this is not always an easy thing to do, and being misled by insecurity, comparison, and rejection can feel commonplace and leave us wondering if we are "enough." Sadly, this not-enough mindset can lead us to shaky ground. If we let others define us, we'll bend under their opinions. But at the same time, if we try to anchor our worth in achievement or approval, we'll end up exhausted and empty.
Thankfully, there's a better way. When we trust what God has already said - that we are loved, chosen, and adopted - we can change our perspective and stand firm in the fact that we have always been enough.
Jesus modeled this perfectly. His security in the Father's love allowed him to speak truth, love boldly, and serve without needing anything in return. His confidence wasn't arrogance; it was a matter of trust. That same option of trusting God and standing confidently in truth is available to us today. When we build our lives on God's unchanging truth, our hearts are protected, and we are free to live with peace and courage in every relationship.
Questions:
Where have you been tempted to let others define your worth?
What would change if you fully trusted what God says about you?
Next Steps:
Freedom from the weight of not-enough can be found by developing your relationship with God. This week, take intentional time to explore the conversations Jesus had with people by reading some of the gospels. The gospels are the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the New Testament. Notice the way he responded to others’ actions, reactions, and struggles, and how his words always pointed them toward truth and grace.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for loving and choosing me before the world began. Help me root my worth in your truth and not in the shifting opinions of others. Teach me to walk with the same peace and confidence Jesus had, trusting that your word over my life is enough. I love you, I trust you, and I worship you. Amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Romans 12:17-18
Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.
This post was written by Lori Tuckerman, Director of Content for the Daily LivingItOut.