1 John 4:13-18 really hit home for me. I mention often of feeling as though I am not ever enough. Reading this reminds me that we belong to God because His Spirit ives in us. When you truly believe that Jesus is the Son of God and trust in the love God has for us, we live connected to Him (I am enough). God Is LOVE! So if I am living in love, real love, then I am living in God. As I continue to grow in that love, through my growth in my relationship with God, I am realizing that I am acting out of more confidence-without fear. Love pushes out fear and that same Love lets me know that I am enough, I am worthy. My identity is rooted in love! We don’t have to live afraid of judgment, rejection, or punishment. Fear is connected to punishment. But when we understand God’s love, we gain confidence instead of anxiety.

What this lesson shows me is that when we remember who we belong to, remove what does not align with God, and choose to live with integrity and love, God both protects us and confirms our identity. In Genesis 35, Jacob had to remove the idols from his household. That wasn’t about earning God’s favor. It was about realignment. It was about remembering who he belonged to and returning fully to God. In Psalm 17, David trusted God instead of defending himself. That challenges me. I often want to fix things or justify myself. But David asked for God’s vindication. He stepped aside and let God handle it. That’s something I am still learning, to get out of God’s way. And 1 John 3 speaks deeply to me. There was a time when I believed the lie that I was not enough. Because of that, I questioned my love and my ability to love. But I have always been a giver, not of things, but of myself. I want to see people thrive. And Scripture reminds me that love is not just words, but actions and truth. I make mistakes, but I desire to please Him. I believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, and I love people. I am learning to let God remove the layers, guide me, and define me. And for that, I thank Him for His grace and mercy.

Today I had a conversation with a work associate who has shared with me many times about people she once cared for deeply, only to later experience a falling out. What stands out is how quickly love turns into anger when she feels hurt. I can see that she’s a kind person at heart, but the pain she carries feels heavy, and it seems difficult for her to process disappointment in a healthy way. I shared with her my thoughts about recognizing that people are different, and that while we don’t always have to agree with their choices, we can try to accept them without anger; even if that means creating some distance. I gently suggested that understanding the “why” behind situations, or even having honest conversations, might bring her some peace. She felt she already understood and didn’t want to revisit those relationships, and I could hear how much bitterness had taken root. Today’s reading brought that conversation back to my mind. Genesis 33–34 shows the contrast between choosing grace and choosing anger, while 1 John 2 reminds us that love is the true evidence of walking with God. These passages challenge me to look honestly at how we respond when we’re hurt. Healing comes through humility and love, but when anger leads, it keeps wounds open and heavy. I still believe my associate is a good person, but this reminds me that God calls us not just to know Him, but to reflect Him in how we love others. Sometimes people aren’t ready to receive prayer or gentle guidance, and that too requires grace. This passage encourages me to respond with patience, compassion, and love; trusting God to work in our hearts in His time.

“You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭ESV‬‬ I love this verse! And this is my prayer for everyone in the group, that we experience the God of joy and peace!

Today’s reading reminded me of something I’ve always told my daughters, don’t keep things in the dark. The enemy likes this, because this is where he operates. I’ve never expected them to be perfect, only honest. When they bring things into the light, even when there are consequences, there is also understanding, support, and a way forward. Even if I may not like, appreciate or agree with their choices, I will always love them and be there for them. Genesis 31–32, Psalm 32, and 1 John 1 show me that God works the same way with us. Jacob couldn’t move forward until he stopped running and surrendered, and David reminds us how heavy life feels when we hide things. First John reassures me that walking with God isn’t about perfection, but about living in the light. God isn’t asking me to have it all together; He’s simply inviting me to be honest and trust that His grace is enough.