LENT Day 19

Lent Devotional

Day 19 - Wednesday, March 11, 2026

"God's Love Isn't Based On Approval"

Author: Brenda McClure

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Scripture: Galatians 1:10 & Isaiah 53:3

Galatians 1:10 says "Am I now trying to win approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Paul makes it very clear that following God and chasing human approval do not go hand-in-hand. God’s calling is not rooted in popularity. It’s rooted in obedience and relationship.

If God’s love depended on approval:

• Jesus would have adjusted his message to stay liked.

• The gospel would bend to culture.

• Paul would have softened the truth to avoid criticism.

The prophecy in Isaiah 53:3 "He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering , and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem." 

Tells us something profound about Jesus. He was not liked, rejected, misunderstood. The Son of God-perfect, loving, sinless-was not popular. The powerful truth is God’s love is not validated by human applause. The truth is not determined by popularity. Rejection does not equal failure in God’s eyes.

When you feel left out, criticized, or overlooked, say a prayer. And, remember you are praying to someone who has been EXACTLY where you are. 

Prayer

Jesus-I want to thank you for understanding rejection. Thank you for always being there for me when I am feeling lost, unimportant, or invisible. Help me to seek only what YOU have for me, to love the way that you love, and to desire to live my life in step with your will. Amen