Have you ever met someone who asks “How are you?” not as a cordial salutation but with genuine concern? And then that person takes the time to quietly listen to you without interruption, without feeling the need to advise you or tell you of their own similar experiences. As a result, you have this wonderful feeling that you are genuinely loved.
In contrast, there is an old joke about a conversation overheard at a party. One fellow says to the other, “That’s enough talk about me, now tell me about you. What do you think of me?” This constant need for approval through self-promotion usually reveals a hidden insecurity. But does it really work to hide behind a façade?
The first example above reminds us of people who can be concerned about the world around them without using themselves as a reference point. They are likely at peace with who they are. How do we find such peace? Once we begin to realize how loved we are by Christ—how He accepts us despite all our frailties and shortcomings—then the need for approval by others begins to fade.
And that’s just the beginning. As we learn more about our place within God’s family as heirs of His many promises, we also begin to see the mission that He has set before us as ambassadors of His love. Maria Fontaine’s article on pages 4–6 explores all that is in store for us as we grow to understand our identity in Christ.
Our hope is that this month’s issue will be a blessing as you learn of “the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27), and grow deeper in the knowledge of His love for you and of who you are in Him.