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Do I matter?

Most of us secretly check, again and again, whether we are enough.

Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.
Matthew 10:31 (KJV)

It can show up as comparing yourself with people online, replaying something embarrassing, or feeling you have to be useful or impressive to deserve a place. Everyone has some version of this. It is not a sign that something is wrong with you.

Jesus said this to people who were scared and worn out. His point is plain: if God cares about a sparrow, how much more about you. He did not say it to make a big speech about how special you are. He said it so that you could put down some of the fear.

Worth in this sense is not a score. It does not go up when you do well or down when you fail. It is closer to being loved by someone who is not keeping count. That is very hard to believe on a bad day, so be patient with yourself, and let it be something you practise rather than something you feel instantly.

Questions to sit with

Where do you feel you have to earn your place?
What would you say to a friend who felt the way you do about themselves?
Who in your life makes you feel valued without you having to do anything?

One small thing to try

When a harsh thought about yourself shows up this week, answer it once with what you would say to a friend. Say it quietly, out loud if you can.

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If things feel too heavy: you do not have to carry it alone. Tell a parent, a teacher, a pastor or another adult you trust. If you are in immediate physical danger, have a medical emergency or are being hurt, call 911 (US) or your local emergency number. If you are in an emotional crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 (US Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Outside the US? Find a free, confidential helpline at findahelpline.com. These pages are not a substitute for professional or pastoral care.