I remembered years ago about the self-reflection of a young man in the newspaper. He felt guilty about not helping enough for his family. His father was an addict of drugs when he was very young. Due to the family situation, his mother had to work very hard to support the family. Even due to the poverty, the mother managed to let him go to school and also he had two younger siblings below him. Life was not fantastic but just to get by. This young man felt very dejected and infuriated about himself and he felt bad when comparing with his classmates, they were much better than him. He had no confidence and low self-esteem. And he was easily angry. Upon he finished high school, he had to work to support the family. He never smiled and never made friends with others. One day, a friend at work invited him to a Christian gathering. He found the people of his age were very friendly and relatively happy. His friend asked him how he felt about it. He said ok but not enthusiastic about it. With the perseverance of his friend, he liked the gathering. And he received Jesus as his personal saviour after two years and he became a happier person and more sociable with the people around him. Then, one day he thanked his friend and let Jesus change him completely.
“I realized God would never reject me and loved me unconditionally.” he recalled. This young man’s experience illustrates what God’s Spirit does for the believer in Jesus—He frees us from guilt by revealing how profoundly loved we are and confirms that we are children of God with all the benefits that status brings. This illustrates in the Father’s eyes that we are truly loved, beautiful, and gifted.