Galatians 1:10 (KJV)

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

We all long for validation. It's natural to want to feel seen, understood, and appreciated. But the reality is, the world will often invalidate everything you do. You may be judged, criticized, or falsely accused. People will question your motives, downplay your efforts, or misunderstand your heart.

When you live for the world’s approval, you’ll always feel empty. When you live for God’s approval, you’ll always feel full.

And in a world that constantly tears down, God is the only One who builds up.

No matter how good your intentions are, there will always be people who misunderstand you. Even Jesus, the perfect Son of God, faced accusations and rejection. If they judged Him, they will surely judge us too.

But God allows these moments of invalidation to remind us: we are not of this world, and the world will never fully understand or love us. Unlike the world’s shifting standards, God’s validation is eternal and unchanging. When we believe in Jesus, we are already validated in the deepest way possible. We are called righteous, holy, and blameless.

You are already accepted, approved, and validated by God. His love isn’t based on your performance but on His grace.

The gospel reminds us that our identity is secure in Christ. The accusations, lies, and judgments of the world don’t define us because Jesus already declared us. 

When rejection stings and false words cut deep, the gospel becomes our strength. We don’t have to defend ourselves or prove our worth. The cross already proved our value. 

You don’t need the world to lift you up when you have the gospel holding you steady.

Focus on the gospel and remind yourself that God’s approval is all that matters. When criticism comes, set a boundary in your heart. Let the gospel be your defense, your validation, and your strength.

Amen!