"Religious people are judgmental and harsh - I can't be myself around them or they'll condemn me."
How it sounds in your head: If they knew I struggled with anxiety meds, or that I'm not sure I believe everything, or what I did last weekend, they'd kick me out. I have to perform and pretend to be accepted.
"And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, 'This Man receives sinners and eats with them.'"
-- Luke 15:2Source: Religion spirit that demands performance and conformity instead of celebrating the Father's radical grace and acceptance of messy children.
She's heard the side comments about the girl who got pregnant, the whispers about the family whose dad lost his job, the subtle exclusion when someone doesn't fit the mold. Evidence says conformity equals acceptance.
Rahab was a prostitute - literally a working sex worker in Jericho. God didn't wait for her to quit, get therapy, and prove herself. He brought the spies to HER HOUSE, she believed, and she's in Jesus' genealogy in Matthew 1. From brothel to bloodline in one act of faith.
I REFUSE the lie that I must perform to be accepted. IT IS WRITTEN that Jesus receives sinners and eats with them - that's His JOB and His JOY. I don't have to hide my struggles, pretend I have it together, or earn my seat at the table. The BARAK blessing over my life isn't activated by perfection - Abraham lied twice and got richer, Jacob deceived and became Israel. IT IS WRITTEN there is NO CONDEMNATION for those in Christ Jesus. I am the righteousness of God not because I earned it but because He GAVE it. I will find my people who love like Jesus - messy, real, grace-filled. I am fully KNOWN and fully LOVED exactly as I am.
The Father is running toward you saying, 'Take off the mask, daughter. I see the anxiety, the doubts, the mistakes - and I'm not flinching. I'm not waiting for you to clean up to hug you. Come as you are.' The robe covers what you think disqualifies you. The ring declares you FAMILY while you're still figuring it out.