The NIV 365 Day Devotional

What if They Knew What I’m Really Like?

We may think the easiest way to deal with our faults is to hide them. We do that because we don’t want to admit we’re not perfect or because we don’t want to inflict our messiness on others. Perhaps we think people will judge and reject us if we’re honest.

The truth: Everybody struggles. And people, all people throughout history, have struggled with sin —including our greatest heroes of faith. The apostle Paul wrote, For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do —this I keep on doing.

How can you get over your fear of revealing your true struggles? Know you’re not alone. In fact, church should be the one place you can be real and messy. All people are carrying burdens and secret sins. All people are flawed (Ro 3:23). So one thing you can do is show others who you really are.

Find one person who will accept you for who you really are. By not having to pretend anymore, you’ll begin to overcome your fears about being yourself. You’ll gain confidence. And as an added benefit, you’ll strengthen each other as you work through issues together. Galatians 6:2 says, Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Taken from the NIV Quest Study Bible for Teens.