Replace it with Loved
By Susan Aken
“…I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” Jeremiah 31:3b
“That was a stupid decision,” I thought. “How could you be so stupid?”
Convicted, I realized the word had come to my mind three or four times within a few minutes. But I didn’t know what other word to use. I felt … stupid.
Looking at God’s amazing creation, I considered what He thought about me calling myself that name. He spoke in my heart, “It makes Me sad. Don’t call what I made stupid. I love you.” Today’s verse, “I have loved you with an everlasting love,” came to mind.
God never views me as “stupid.” In my sixty-plus years, I’ve always wrestled with this word. My dad called my mom this name on numerous occasions. I struggled with math my entire life, which always made me feel … you know. But I knew I had to change the way I spoke to myself.
There are as many different levels of intelligence as there are people. Our IQ doesn’t determine our worth. The Bible teaches us to seek wisdom and avoid foolishness. The wise person loves and listens to God. The foolish one denies Him, ignores His truth, and does what they want.
The wisest person might be the one with the lowest IQ if they’re following God with all their heart.
We’re all prone to listen to internal, negative voices.
God loves us and nothing can take that away. His love is forever. When we’re tempted to put ourselves down, may we remember God sees us as loved.
What label are you fighting?
Replace it with loved.
Susan Aken is a homemaker, teacher, writer, and frequent contributor to Wholly Loved Ministries’ projects. She lives in Nebraska but was born and raised in Oklahoma. She and her husband have one son. Her greatest love is for the Lord Jesus Christ who has redeemed her and set her free. Susan enjoys reading, photography, spending time with family and friends, and writing. She has a heart for prayer ministry and loves her church. Visit her online at susanaken53.wordpress.com.
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Originally published Thursday, 14 September 2023.
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