Sometimes people do crazy things to be accepted. A teen who badly wants to fit in might take a risky dare; their desire to be accepted overrules their desire for safety. If you’ve ever played baseball as a kid and teams were chosen, remember how great it felt to be picked by the best player? Remember how bad you felt when you were among the last few chosen?

We love the feeling of being accepted.

Did you know that God has chosen you? The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:9, “You are a chosen people” (NIV). That should raise your self-esteem! Christ has accepted you—not because you tried hard or because you particularly deserve it. God simply says, “I chose you.”

When you’re part of God’s family, that will never change. No matter what, God will always accept you.

Even if you’ve experienced rejection in your own family, that’s not the way God’s family works. The Bible promises, “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will take care of me” (Psalm 27:10 GW).

You may have accepted Jesus into your life—but have you realized that Christ has accepted you? You don’t have to earn it; you don’t have to prove yourself. You’re accepted by Christ today, tomorrow, and always. No matter what.