Many people say: “This is who I am, accept me as I am.”
This statement can reflect two different realities.
1. The need to be accepted
Every human being longs to be welcomed and loved unconditionally. That is what God does for us. The Bible says:
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”(Romans 5:8)
God loves us as we are, with our weaknesses, struggles, and wounds.
He does not require us to be perfect before coming to Him. His love meets us where we are.
2. The danger of refusing change
However, this statement can also hide a refusal to be transformed.
Saying “This is who I am” can become an excuse to justify behaviors that go against God’s will.
But the Bible teaches that encountering Jesus changes lives:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2).
God’s love says: “Come as you are”—but also: “You will not stay as you are.”
3. Examples of transformation
Peter, impulsive and hot-tempered, became a wise and courageous apostle.
Paul, once a persecutor of the church, became a missionary of the Gospel.
Conclusion
God welcomes us as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us as we are.
In His hands, our lives cannot remain the same.
Apostle Dr Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA