Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. – Galatians 1:10
Bible Verses About Peoples Approval
Seeking God’s Approval First
As we journey through life, we might find ourselves wanting the approval of those around us. But we need to remember that our primary goal should be seeking God’s approval. The Bible teaches that our efforts and actions should be aimed at pleasing Him rather than bowing to the whims of others. It’s in putting God first that we find true value in ourselves. Seeking God’s approval is like anchoring our ship in the stormy seas. It gives us direction and stability. We can rest assured knowing that we are loved and valued just as we are in His eyes. With God’s approval as our lighthouse, we will navigate through the uncertainties and distractions that peer pressure often throws our way.
Galatians 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. – Galatians 1:10
Colossians 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. – Colossians 3:23-24
1 Thessalonians 2:4
On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. – 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Proverbs 29:25
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe. – Proverbs 29:25
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16
The Dangers of Seeking Approval from Others
We often get caught up in seeking approval from others, which can lead to compromising our true selves and values. The Bible warns us of the dangers that come from this. Not only can it lead us away from God’s path, but it can also distort our self-image. When we focus on what others think, we potentially forget who we really are in Christ. We become distracted and may even feel unworthy or anxious about our actions. Rejecting this desire can be liberating. It allows us to live authentically and wholeheartedly. By recognizing that our worth is not determined by others, we find freedom in Christ, allowing us to thrive in our unique identities.
John 12:43
For they loved human praise more than praise from God. – John 12:43
Proverbs 25:27
It is not good to eat too much honey, nor is it honorable to seek one’s own honor. – Proverbs 25:27
Galatians 1:10
Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. – Galatians 1:10
Matthew 6:1
Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. – Matthew 6:1
James 4:4
You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. – James 4:4
Finding Confidence in God’s Love
When we truly understand that we are loved by God, we gain a confidence that leads us away from seeking validation from others. This confidence isn’t based on our achievements or what people think about us; rather, it’s about who we are in Christ. God’s unconditional love gives us the strength to act boldly, allowing us to walk through life with heads held high. We can rest in the assurance that we are respected and loved beyond measure, providing us with the courage to be our authentic selves. It teaches us that our self-worth is not tied to our social status or public opinion, but rather in our identity as God’s children.
1 John 3:1
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! – 1 John 3:1
Romans 8:38-39
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:38-39
Ephesians 2:4-5
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. – Ephesians 2:4-5
Psalm 139:14
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. – Psalm 139:14
2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Living Out Our Calling
As followers of Christ, we have a calling to live out our faith actively. This should be our focus instead of seeking approval from others. When we dedicate our hearts to carrying out God’s message and sharing love, our hearts become content and fulfilled. We find purpose in loving and serving others as God called us to do. It’s important to remember that our calling requires us to focus not on pleasing people, but rather on doing good work in God’s name. By living for God’s purpose, we shift our energy away from others’ approval and place it in fulfilling His vision for us. Our commitment will impact not only our lives but also bring about blessings to those around us.
Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. – Philippians 2:3
Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ – Matthew 22:37-39
Mark 10:45
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. – Mark 10:45
1 Peter 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. – 1 Peter 4:10
Romans 12:1
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. – Romans 12:1
Strength in Christ Alone
In moments where we feel overwhelmed by the desire for approval, we must remember where our strength comes from. Our trust and hope should rest solely in Christ, who provides all that we need. Realizing that we do not need external validation brings us to a place of peace and deliverance. His strength empowers us to rise above the opinions of others and to remain steadfast in who we are. By looking to Him for guidance, we are continually reminded of our true identity and the purpose He has designed for us. We can rest assured that we are equipped to face any pressures that arise from seeking approval from people.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13
2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7
Isaiah 40:29
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. – Isaiah 40:29
Psalm 28:7
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. – Psalm 28:7
Zephaniah 3:17
The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing. – Zephaniah 3:17
The Lasting Impact of True Approval
Ultimately, genuine approval that comes from God overpowers any approval the world seeks to offer. When we focus on His opinion, we can see the world through a different lens—one that emphasizes love, the importance of community, and the significance of helping each other. God’s love transforms us and allows us to positively impact those around us. In reflecting on how we act to please God, we can become instruments of change in our communities, resulting in blessings that extend beyond ourselves. We can draw others towards Christ simply by living authentically in His love. This divine approval has a magnifying effect, encouraging us to spread love, hope, and kindness.
1 Samuel 16:7
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” – 1 Samuel 16:7
Matthew 25:21
His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ – Matthew 25:21
Psalm 147:11
The Lord delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love. – Psalm 147:11
Isaiah 62:3
You will be a crown of splendor in the Lord’s hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God. – Isaiah 62:3
Proverbs 16:7
When the Lord takes pleasure in anyone’s way, he causes their enemies to make peace with them. – Proverbs 16:7
Final Thoughts
As we explore the journey of finding approval, it reminds us to focus our hearts and minds on God above all else. In today’s fast-paced world, we may feel tempted to seek the validation of those around us, but God invites us to see our worth through His eyes. We are reminded that it starts with seeking His approval, finding strength in His love, and living out our true calling. As we give attention to God’s purpose, we cultivate confidence and assert our identities with grace.
Ultimately, our honest pursuit of God results in blessings not only for us but also for those we encounter. We become living examples of His love, showing others the way to discover their identities as well. I encourage every one of us to remember that in Christ, we are known, loved, and accepted for who we truly are.
As we continue on this journey, let us keep exploring various topics on faith and empowerment. Feel free to read about overcoming anxiety or living in faith. Each of these teachings offers valuable insights to inspire us along the way.