I want you to fill in the following statement without giving it much thought—just answer automatically:

I have worth when ________.

For many of us, we instinctively fill in that blank with some sort of outcome or action:

“I have worth when I’m serving or caring for others.”
“I have worth when I’m obedient.”
“I have worth when others are happy.”

We may not consciously think these thoughts, but we often feel them.

But is worth something we earn?
Is it dependent on what we do?

For Christians, worth was given to us when we were adopted by Jesus. Scripture tells us:

“In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”
— Ephesians 1:4–5

Our worth is a gift—given through Jesus’ sacrifice. If our worth was already given, then why do we still work so hard to earn it, prove it, or feel it?

Why did Martha become angry with Mary? (Luke 10:38–42)
Why do we, too, often slip into striving rather than simply receiving what is already true?

From an early age, our schema or template of how we see ourselves is formed. Developmental psychologists note that this happens as early as age six, shaped by our attachment and early experiences. Over time, we learn messages about our worth based on how we were praised, treated, or noticed as children.

But even if something untrue was written on our hearts early on, Jesus has the final say.

And you, beloved of Christ, are worthy.
You have worth simply because you exist—not because of what you do.

Look again at the title of this post: Worth•
Notice the period. It is intentional. There are no conditions to meet. No add-ons. No “if” or “when.”

Just worth•

So I ask you: What would change for you if you began living as though that were true?

“For I did not come that you would have life, but have life abundantly.”
— John 10:10