Spiritual Formation | 2/28/2026 8:03:00 PM

Written by: Mary Kate Smith

"And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge". Ephesians 3:18-19
 
We live in a performance driven world, especially in college athletics. There is a lineup to make. There are goals to reach. There are fitness tests to pass. There are games to win. There is a championship at the end of every season.
 
It is easy to let the outcome of our performance define our worth and love for ourself. When we get caught up in our performance, the highs are high and the lows are low.
 
No matter how you feel about your performance, here's the undeniable truth: God's love for you is unwavering, and it's not dependent on anything you do or don't do. You can't earn it, nor can you lose it. The Lord doesn't require us to meet some standard or perform to a certain level—He simply desires a relationship with us, deeply rooted in love and grace.

His love for you is unconditional, not a love that fades with time or changes with circumstance. He finds joy in you just being—just existing as you are. It's not about your actions, but about what He has already done.
The perfect King, with all the power and glory of the heavens, humbled Himself to come down from His throne and endure the suffering of a sinner's death—on your behalf. Through that sacrifice, He gave His all so that you could be saved, so that we could be reconciled to Him. And the incredible part? This is only the beginning. We are promised eternity with Him, basking in His love and presence forever. There's nothing more powerful, more certain, and more life-giving than that.

"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." Ephesians 6:10.

Spend time with God daily in his word. Put on the armor of God by filling your mind with his truth. As we spend time with Him, He gently reminds us of His unconditional love and His promises. We grow in the awareness that we are cherished, that He is with us, and that His love isn't just a concept—it's a living, breathing reality that we get to experience more fully each time we draw near to Him. Just as time spent with a friend strengthens your bond, time spent with God strengthens our relationship with Him and deepens our understanding of His heart for us.
 
The next time you are feeling less than based on your performance, take comfort in God's heart for you. If there is one thing that I can encourage you with, it is that the Lord loves you just as you are.
 
Reflection Questions:

• Where am I letting the outcome of my performance dictate my worth?
•  What areas of my life do I need to accept God's love and mercy for me?
•  How can you focus on God's love for you throughout your day?