From Acceptance to Approval: Living a Life That Pleases the Fatherಮಾದರಿ

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, CONDITIONAL REWARD

One of the greatest truths every believer must grasp is that God's love is unconditional, but His rewards are conditional. John 3:16 (KJV) declares, "For God so loved the world..." meaning that God's love was already extended before any response from man. He loves sinners and saints alike, and His love never changes. However, Romans 8:30 speaks of predestination, calling, justification, and glorification — a clear pathway showing that while love is free, glorification and divine rewards require our active participation. Pleasing the Father goes beyond enjoying His love; it involves meeting His conditions for approval and honour.

Beloved, acceptance is unconditional, but approval is earned. God accepts you by grace through faith when you believe in Jesus, but He rewards you based on your obedience, diligence, and maturity. Many Christians confuse these two realities, thinking that because God loves them, He must automatically be pleased with everything they do. This is not so. Just as parents love all their children equally but may not be pleased with every child's choices, so the Father’s pleasure in our lives is tied to our walk of faith and obedience. This understanding should not bring fear but should inspire us to live intentionally for His pleasure.

I want you to learn that pursuing the Father's approval is the journey into maturity and destiny fulfilment. It is not enough to bask in His love; you must press into a life that gladdens His heart and qualifies for His rewards. Let this devotional be a time when you choose to grow beyond acceptance into a life that actively seeks and secures divine approval. It is in this place of approval that you will find your highest calling, greatest joy, and eternal significance in the kingdom of God.

THOUGHT TO PONDER: Are you making the mistake of thinking God's unconditional love automatically means His approval? What daily choices can you make to pursue not just His love but also His reward?

PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for loving me with an everlasting love. Help me grasp the difference between being loved and being approved. Strengthen me to live in a way that brings You joy and makes me worthy of Your commendation and reward. In Jesus’ name, Amen.