But God clearly shows and proves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 (AMP) Yesterday we saw how searching for significance in anything outside of God results in counterfeit love. Today let’s look at how this affects our human relationships. Everyone wants to be accepted and loved the way they are. But counterfeit love says, “You have to meet my conditions to receive my love.” For example, if a child gets praise and special attention only when he does well in sports or gets good grades, he’ll grow up believing he’s loved only for his achievements. He will quickly become empty and burnt out. Not only that, but he’ll begin to judge others …

And hope will never fail to satisfy our deepest need because the Holy Spirit that was given to us has flooded our hearts with God’s love. Romans 5:5 (VOICE) Great relationships are built on love. But unless we get our sense of love from the right source, we come to rely on counterfeits. Counterfeit love never satisfies. Instead, it creates toxic relationships and brings pain into our lives. Where do you get your sense of love and significance? If you believe people love you for your looks, then when your looks start to fade, you’ll be in crisis mode. If you think you’re loved for your outgoing personality, you’ll focus on being the kind of person others expect. A celebrity can sing for thousands of raving …

So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31 (NASB) We don’t love our kids less when they fail or fall short of perfect behaviour. Yet, it’s astonishing how we often believe God operates this way with us. God is far more gracious than we realize. Let’s say your kids take a test. One child gets 80% and the other gets 95%. Do you suddenly love the child with the higher grade more than the other child? Do you now consider the kid who didn’t do as well less valuable? Of course not! Their successes or failures don’t change how precious they are to you or how much you love them. God feels the same way about us! Maybe you’re thinking, …

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 2 Timothy 3:17 (MSG) God doesn’t discipline us by attacking our self-worth. God is a loving father, not some scowling, impatient dad. When He shows us His truths and corrects our mistakes, He doesn’t crush our self-worth to do so. In fact, God corrects and educates us without ever touching our self-worth. Unfortunately, for years it seemed the goal of many churches was to make church-goers feel bad about themselves. As a young guy, I remember watching different preachers brow-beat their congregations …

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 (NKJV) Did you know that when God spoke about Jesus in today’s verse, Jesus had done nothing notable or significant yet? When John the Baptist baptized Jesus, Jesus hadn’t performed one miracle. He hadn’t died on the cross or risen again. On the outside, He hadn’t done anything of value for humanity, and yet God proudly announced that He was pleased with His Son. For what? He hadn’t done anything! You see, that kind of thinking is our problem. We think God loves us more when we do great things. But our works don’t increase our worth to God. Now, of course, I want …