"I am so stupid! How could I mess up like that? I know better. I’m just no good. I can’t do anything right!"

None of us are perfect, so at some point we all think these kinds of thoughts about ourselves. And the scary part is, they’re partly true: none of us are good on our own because we all sin (Romans 3:23). But these thoughts are missing an important part of the picture.

Jesus—who is fully God and fully human—made and loves us, but sin separates us from Him and leads to death (Isaiah 59:2; John 1:1-14; Romans 6:23). So He stepped down to rescue us. In His love, He died on the cross and rose from the grave so that we could be free from sin and death (John 3:16). If we put our faith in Him, we are no longer separated from Him, and we look forward to dwelling with Jesus and His people forever (Colossians 1:21-22; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 21:1-5).

Whatever our failures are, we find true acceptance when we become part of God’s family through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection (John 1:12). When we put our trust in Jesus, the Holy Spirit makes us new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

In Christ—even if your failures threaten to overwhelm you and you feel like no one wants to be with you—God’s love for you never stops (Romans 8:38-39). You can talk with Him about anything you’re facing (1 Peter 5:7). Enjoy talking with Him, and reading His letter to you, the Bible (Psalm 119:76; 2 Timothy 3:15-16). No one else loves or cares for you as much as Jesus (Hebrews 4:14-16). He is always ready to forgive you and help you when you mess up (1 John 1:9–2:1).

When others reject you, focus on who God is and who you are in Him. If your worth comes from what others think, you will be insecure, because in our broken world, people are fickle. Jesus is always the same though, so if your trust is in Him, then you can be truly secure (Hebrews 13:8). • Hosanna Krahn

• What things make you feel insecure?

• What truths from today’s devotion stuck out to you? How can you remember these truths when you feel insecure?

• To learn more about becoming a part of Jesus’ family, check out our "Know Jesus" page.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (CSB)