Short Answer:
It’s exhausting to build your identity around approval, success, or what others think about you. Jesus offers a different foundation by showing you that your worth comes from being known and loved by Him.
Why do I keep looking for approval from other people?
Everyone wants to feel valued.
But when our worth depends on someone else’s opinion, we end up constantly trying to prove ourselves.
We think:
“If they accept me, I’m enough.”
“If I succeed, I matter.”
“If everyone approves, I’ll finally feel secure.”
The problem is that people were never meant to carry the weight of defining who we are.
What does Jesus say about my identity?
When Jesus saw Mary Magdalene after His resurrection, He simply called her by name (John 20:16).
That moment mattered because Jesus knew her completely. He knew her past, her pain, and her story, yet He still moved toward her with love.
Your value is not something you achieve. It is something Jesus gives.
Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s creation, made with purpose.
You are not defined by rejection, failure, success, or someone else’s opinion.
Jesus invites you to see yourself through His love.
How do I start building my identity on something stronger?
Pay attention to the voices shaping how you see yourself.
Are they leading you toward insecurity or toward the truth of who God says you are?
Start replacing the question:
“What does everyone think of me?”
With:
“What does Jesus say about me?”
The more you understand His love, the less power other opinions have over your life.
Written by Dr. Daniel Butson, Lead Pastor at Fellowship Church. Learn more about Pastor Daniel.
You can watch the full message here if you want to hear more of the context behind this moment.