Just The Way You Are

For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10

All people, whether Jew or Gentile (like this passage is talking about), were created purposefully. The Greek for "handiwork" can also mean "work of art". This shows that we are beautifully and intentionally made. God prepared a goal and mission for each of us, the "good works", and created us specifically to do those things. Our strengths, weaknesses, our life history and our circumstances were all foreseen by God and taken into account when he formed us.

We can take comfort in hard times or in times of self-doubt, knowing that God has created us perfectly for the road we are to take. It is our call to dedicate ourselves to the good works God has prepared for us and to thank Him for the gifts He's given us to do those works.

It's also a call to love and respect others. When we tear down or criticize others, we insult God's handiwork. While people may still do things that require a loving rebuke, the person himself is treasured by God.