We often think that to be considered a “good” Christian we need to have it all together, right? We need to be giving. We need to do good works within our community. We need to be caring. We need to maintain this “good” image of ourselves. But why do we care about this outward image that society has placed on us? That we have placed on ourselves? We need to turn our focus to what God thinks of our inward image, the personal relationship that we have built with Him.

“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous but the sinners.” Matthew 9:12

Are there parts of your heart that you hide from God? Are there pieces from your past that make you feel too ashamed to even bring them up in prayer with Him? Are you thinking that there is no way that God would be able to forgive you for your mistakes? We are all sinners; we are the sick that God is calling. God knows everything that we have done. He knows the good, the bad and the ugly but He loves us. God creates beauty from brokenness and as soon as you let Him into these dark, scary places He alone will set you free.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

When we confess our mistakes and allow God into our ugliest, most unforgivable parts we gain access to the most amazing thing. We gain God’s everlasting love and eternal life through Him, with Him. The beauty is now shining through so much hurt and brokenness that was just set free. When we receive salvation, we are born again and made brand new. We are giving up our lives in exchange to follow the cross. We are now being called to worship and glorify God in all of our ways.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Show God your “ugly”, allow God to come in and reveal your purpose to you and when He does, obey Him. Set yourself free from the shame and guilt that are hiding in the dark of your heart because God sees them. Romans 12:9 states: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” God’s love is the most sincere of it all and He is good, so good. So cling to God in every circumstance, the good, the bad and the ugly because He will be there for you.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and will all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” Matthew 22: 37-38