Devotional from Pastor Tim Chalas

We live in a world driven by the need for approval. From the endless scroll of social media to the quiet longing for parental affirmation, the desire to be seen, known, and accepted runs deep in all of us.

Jesus spoke directly to this inner thirst when He said, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.” (John 7:37) Yet, for many, God’s approval feels like the hardest to attain—even impossible.

But that’s not the gospel.

Religion says, “Do more. Be better. Then maybe you’ll be accepted.” Grace says, “You are fully accepted in Christ, right now.”

Here’s the good news: God’s approval isn’t something you earn. It’s a gift. The moment you placed your trust in Christ, you were made righteous, holy, and completely accepted. God doesn’t just put up with you, He delights in you. He is not just tolerating you, He treasures you. His smile is upon you, not because of your performance, but because of Christ’s perfect sacrifice to make you His child.

Real freedom begins when we stop striving for approval and start living from it.

Let this truth settle in your soul today: God not only loves you—He actually likes you. You are approved. You are accepted. You are adored by the One who always tells the truth.

Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. — Romans 15:7