Life-Giving Words of Hope & Encouragement

Do you ever feel like you’re walking on a tightrope, constantly worried about what others think of you? You try to please everyone, say all the right things, do what’s expected—even when it means compromising who you are or what you believe. I’ve been there. It’s exhausting, unfulfilling, and most of all, it keeps us from walking fully in the identity God has given us.

We live in a culture where approval is currency. Social media “likes,” peer recognition, and public praise can easily become the barometer by which we measure our value. But the truth is, living for people’s approval will always leave us empty. Because no matter how hard we try, we’ll never be able to please everyone. And here’s the kicker: We’re not supposed to.

Galatians 1:10 reminds us, “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.” Those words hit me hard one day when I realized I was letting fear of people’s opinions keep me from obeying God. I had to make a choice—keep striving for applause or surrender to God’s purpose for me.

The addiction to approval is sneaky. It disguises itself as kindness, humility, and even love. But beneath it often lies fear—fear of rejection, fear of criticism, fear of being misunderstood. When fear drives us, we shrink back. We hold our tongues when we should speak. We hide our gifts, stay in toxic situations, or say yes when God is prompting us to say no.

But freedom begins the moment we stop seeking approval and start walking in identity. Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” God didn’t create us to be copies of someone else. He handcrafted each of us uniquely and intentionally. When we seek validation from the world, we often miss the affirmation we already have from heaven.

When Jesus was baptized, before He had performed any miracles or taught a single parable, God said, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). If Jesus didn’t have to earn God’s approval, why do we feel like we have to? God loves us not for what we do, but for who we are—His sons and daughters.

There will always be people who don’t understand you, who criticize you, or who wish you would fit their mold. But trying to earn their acceptance only robs you of the peace and joy God wants you to have. Proverbs 29:25 says, “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” The moment we release people’s opinions, we step into true freedom.

Breaking the addiction to approval doesn’t mean we stop caring about others—it means we start caring more about what God says than what people think. It’s a daily decision to choose faith over fear, obedience over popularity, and authenticity over perfection.

The beautiful part? When you stop needing everyone to agree with you, you gain clarity. Your calling becomes clearer. Your boundaries become stronger. Your joy becomes fuller. You stop second-guessing every move because you trust that the One who made you is guiding you. Isaiah 2:22 says, “Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem?”

I’ve learned that not everyone will cheer for you, and that’s okay. As long as you’re walking in obedience, you don’t need to explain yourself. Some people may misunderstand you, and some may even walk away. But you don’t have to chase what God is pruning. Let them go. Let God grow.

So today, if you feel trapped by the need for approval, I encourage you to lay that burden at Jesus’ feet. He already approves of you. He already loves you. And His opinion is the only one that truly matters.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me unconditionally and accepting me just as I am. Forgive me for the times I’ve placed people’s opinions above Your truth. Help me break free from the need to be validated by others and instead root my confidence in Your Word. Teach me to walk boldly in who You created me to be. Let my desire be to please You above all else. I choose to trust in Your love and approval today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.