Key Scripture
“For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.” — Galatians 1:10 (NKJV)

Reflection

For most of my life, I wanted to be accepted. I wanted to help, to be there for everyone, to bring peace wherever I went. But that desire quietly turned into bondage. I became the person others needed me to be, a doormat, always available, never fully seen. People began to believe I was someone else entirely, and in trying to be kind, I lost the ability to show who I truly was.

Hiding my true self took a toll. The more I adjusted my words and actions to please others, the less peace I felt. My reflection no longer looked like me. It was as if I had built a wall between who I was and who God made me to be.

After my encounter with Christ, everything changed. I realized that genuine love doesn’t come from meeting everyone’s expectations but from walking in God’s will. To love people truthfully means reflecting Christ, not mirroring their desires. The “version” of me that others used or misunderstood was never who I truly was — it was their reflection on my surface. When I surrendered, the mask fell away, and for the first time, I saw my worth through His eyes.

Now, I don’t measure risk or rejection. I depend on God for every breath, and that freedom is worth more than acceptance.

Today’s Steps

• Ask God to reveal any areas where you hide behind approval or fear of rejection.
• Read Galatians 1:10 and replace “I” with your name — declare your loyalty to Christ aloud.
• Take one small step today to be authentic: speak gently, but truthfully.

Prayer

“Lord, You know the masks I’ve worn to be accepted. Thank You for showing me that I’m loved as You made me. Help me walk in truth, free from fear of rejection, reflecting only Your light. Amen.”

Journal Prompt

Where in your life do you still feel the pressure to please others? How would your actions change if your only goal were to please God?