"The church only cares about me when they want something from my family."
How it sounds in your head: They're friendly when it's time to volunteer or give money, but where were they when we needed help? It's all transactional. They use people and call it ministry.
"The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: 'Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.'"
-- Jeremiah 31:3Source: legitimate experience of being used by religious systems that valued contribution over relationship, mixed with enemy's lie that all love is conditional.
He's watched leaders approach his parents for money or service but disappear when his family faced crisis. The pattern of being wanted for what you provide rather than who you are is painfully clear.
Zacchaeus was a chief tax collector, meaning everyone wanted something from him (money through extortion) and nobody genuinely loved him. Jesus invited Himself to Zacchaeus's house before Zacchaeus changed anything, proving His love wasn't transactional—transformation came AFTER experiencing unconditional acceptance.
I REFUSE the lie that I'm only valued for what I can provide. IT IS WRITTEN that God has loved me with an everlasting love—not based on my contribution but on His nature. The BARAK blessing isn't earned; it's inherited through covenant. Some churches operate like businesses, but the Father's heart is pure. IT IS WRITTEN that I'm the apple of His eye, treasured not for what I do but for who I am. I am loved unconditionally, wanted for myself, and free from transactional relationships.
While you're feeling used and devalued, the Father is running toward you saying, 'You're not a resource to be mined—you're a son to be celebrated.' He's preparing relationships where you're valued for being you, not for what you bring to the table, and He's healing the wound of being treated like a transaction instead of a treasure.