If we resist the perfect love of God, we’ll try to earn His approval and pay for our own sins through self-punishment. We must never forget that Jesus “was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities” (Isa. 53:5, NKJV).

Try as we might, we can’t be the propitiation for our own sins. If we don’t grasp this, when He says, “Receive my love,” we’ll answer, “I can’t — I’m too tarnished.”

Unless we acknowledge our helplessness and accept His acceptance (not just intellectually but experientially), we’ll get caught in the cycle of self-loathing and self-destruction through addictions or other compulsive behaviors.

We’re commanded to “be kind and compassionate” (Eph. 4:32) and to treat people with respect and honor — including ourselves. If you’ve been mistreating yourself through destructive behavior, declare that enough is enough. You aren’t exempt from needing the grace of God; you’re never going to be good enough to earn His approval or pay for your own sins. No human being ever has, and you’re not going to be the first.

Today, settle that matter here and now and then lean back into the love and acceptance of God.

“Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins” (1 John 4:10).