"God is fond of me."
Do I believe this?
Do I dwell in it?
Do I embody it?
Does it show for others?
"I am well-liked." To be true, it must be apart from self. Not due to efforts or shifting for likability in varied groups. An outward living of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, and self-control.
Not for one's own sake and popularity, no. To project out character that washes away self-identity for the sake of others being fortified and empowered, propelled toward confidence in releasing the need for recognition. My role is not to demand their change of character, but only to live out love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
When I live these out, it does not matter if I feel liked anymore. I begin to operate in the contentment of identifying in Christ, in his fondness of me. This way of being well-liked cannot be described in the same words of human popularity, as it is not earned or fickle.
To be well-liked by God is a mystery to the flesh -- or surely it is in my own. However, if it unquestionably exists, is it not a worthy pursuit to learn its characteristics and presence, as they in their unshakable form will contribute to true security? For if his fondness is not earned, it is not a reward. It is a showing of consistency in love and grace.
Yes, popularity is fickle, but God's fondness of me is unshakable, for God does not change.
Do I believe this?
Do I dwell in it?
Do I embody it?
Does it show for others?