I am my own worst critic. Any mistake, significant or not, triggers a slew of self-deprecating murmurs and thoughts. Even when said in humor, every word is meant—every word is felt. I then arrive (all too easily) at this awful, unbiblical conclusion: “I am neither admirable nor likable. How could God love me?” I convince myself that any perceived flaw disqualifies me from the love of God and of others.

And I’m not the only person making this mistake.

We tell ourselves that our appearances are flawed, and that makes us unlovable.
We tell ourselves that our personalities are flawed, and that makes us unlovable.
We tell ourselves that our skillsets are flawed, and that makes us unlovable.
We tell ourselves that our faith is flawed, and that makes us unlovable.

But these thoughts do not accurately reflect God’s thoughts. In fact, Scripture tells us the opposite is true. God loves and accepts us despite our flaws and all—both actual and perceived!

I hope these prayers will guide you as you seek God’s love today:

1. Lord, I know your evaluation process is not the same as my own.
   But the Lord said to him, “Pay no attention to how tall and handsome he is. I have rejected him, because I do not judge as people judge. They look at the outward appearance, but I look at the heart.”– 1 Samuel 16:7 (GNTD)
2. Lord, I know my flaws do not frustrate you; you love me with so much grace that you choose to demonstrate strength in my weakness.
   But his answer was: “My grace is all you need, for my power is greatest when you are weak.” I am most happy, then, to be proud of my weaknesses, in order to feel the protection of Christ's power over me. I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.– 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (GNTD)
3. Lord, I know your love is steadfast. I cannot cause it to end.
   But you, O Lord, are a merciful and loving God, always patient, always kind and faithful. – Psalm 86:15 (GNTD)
4. Lord, I know you have proven your great love for me on the cross.
   But God has shown us how much he loves us—it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us!– Romans 5:8 (GNTD)
5. Lord, I know my capacity to love others is a direct result of your love for me.
   We love because God first loved us.– 1 John 4:19-20 (GNTD)