Watch the full sermon here: https://youtu.be/guM1ogPSGt8
Transcript from the video:
Some of you guys grew up in a home where your father always said things like, 'You're a failure,' 'Why can't you be more like your sister?' 'Why can't you be more like your brother?' 'When are you ever going to get your life together?' 'We can't count on you for anything.' 'You're never going to amount to anything.' 'You're unworthy of love.' 'You're unworthy of my time.' And maybe that's what you heard growing up. I wanted to speak to you and let you know that you're worthy, not because of what you've done, but because of what Jesus said and did. He said it in more than words; he said it in action. He said, 'You're worth enough to me that I'll pay the price of Heaven, to go to the cross and die in your place so that you could have life and start over again when you fail.' Are you with me? God wants you to know today, you are not used up, you are not unworthy, you are not a failure. You have a father that loves you, and he believes in you.
Rediscovering Your Worth in the Father's Love
Life has a way of leaving its mark on us, and for some, that mark was imprinted in the words and actions of a father who questioned their worth. You may have grown up in a home where your father's voice echoed with phrases like, "You're a failure," "Why can't you be more like your sister or brother?" "We can't count on you for anything," and "You're unworthy of love and my time."
These words can create deep wounds, shaping the way we see ourselves and our value. But here's the good news: You are not defined by your past, and you are not alone in this journey.
Today, we'll explore how the love of our Heavenly Father can heal and restore your sense of worth.
Unearthing Your True Worth
It's easy to internalize the negative messages from our past, allowing them to dictate our self-esteem. However, these damaging beliefs don't have the final say in defining our worth. Instead, we must turn to the teachings and actions of Jesus Christ to understand our true value.
In the paragraphs above, we're reminded of the profound love Jesus demonstrated through his sacrifice on the cross. He didn't merely speak words of love; He acted upon them. His actions declare that you are worth the ultimate price, the very cost of Heaven. He willingly endured the pain and suffering of crucifixion to die in your place. Why? So that you could have life, hope, and a chance to start over when you falter. Jesus's sacrifice underscores the fact that you are priceless in the eyes of God.
God's Unchanging Love
If you've ever questioned your worth, remember this: God's love for you is unchanging. No matter what you've done or how you've been made to feel, you are not "used up," "unworthy," or a "failure" in His eyes. He is a Father who loves you unconditionally, and His belief in your potential is unwavering.
God's love is the steady anchor in our lives, the foundation upon which we build our self-worth. The Bible assures us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and that we are His masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). These verses reflect the truth of our intrinsic worth, created by a loving Father who cares deeply for each of His children.
Accepting Your Worth
Reclaiming your sense of worth may be a journey, but you don't have to take it alone. Surround yourself with a supportive community of faith, seek guidance from a mentor or counselor, and spend time in prayer and reflection. Embrace the reality that you are a beloved child of God, cherished beyond measure.
Conclusion
In the wake of hurtful words and the scars they leave behind, we find hope and redemption in the unwavering love of our Heavenly Father. Your worth is not dependent on your past or your achievements, but on the immeasurable love Jesus demonstrated by giving His life for you. God wants you to know that you are not a failure, and you are far from unworthy. Embrace the truth that you have a Father who loves you, believes in you, and stands ready to guide you on the path to healing and restoration.
As you walk this path of rediscovering your worth, may you be empowered by the love of your Heavenly Father, confident in the knowledge that you are cherished and valued beyond measure.