“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.” – Galatians 1:10
Our Identity in Christ
As we explore the topic of trying to please others, we must remember that our true identity is rooted in who we are in Christ. It can be tempting to seek validation from those around us, but we are called to find our worth in Jesus alone. Instead of conforming to the expectations of others, we should embrace our identity as beloved children of God. Looking to Him for acceptance strengthens us to live authentically. We should seek to please God rather than the opinions of others, allowing His truth to shape our self-image.
John 1:12
“Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12
Galatians 2:20
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Romans 8:17
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” – Romans 8:17
Ephesians 2:10
“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
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Seeking God’s Approval
In our journey to live as Christ followers, we should focus on seeking God’s approval rather than the fleeting approval of people. Acknowledging that the opinions of others can change, we are encouraged to align our lives with God’s will for us. This shift in perspective helps us to make choices that honor Him, even when they may not be popular among our peers. When we seek to please God, we gain deeper peace and fulfillment, understanding that we are called to live for Him.
Colossians 3:23
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” – Colossians 3:23
1 Thessalonians 2:4
“On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:4
Proverbs 29:25
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” – Proverbs 29:25
Romans 12:2
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” – Hebrews 11:6
The Nature of True Friendship
When we aim to please others, we can often confuse this with genuine friendship. True friends encourage and support each other in their journey with Christ. Friendships should be built on mutual trust and understanding, not solely on pleasing one another. We must cultivate authentic relationships that allow us to be honest and real about who we are. Friends who truly care for us will guide us back to God, encouraging growth rather than approval-seeking behaviors.
Proverbs 27:17
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17
Ecclesiastes 4:9
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.” – Ecclesiastes 4:9
John 15:13
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
Proverbs 18:24
“One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” – Proverbs 18:24
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
Recognizing Our Limitations
We are all human and have limitations, and it is crucial that we understand that we cannot please everyone. In striving to make everyone happy, we may find ourselves exhausted and frustrated. It is a healthy practice to accept that not everyone will agree with us or our choices. God called us to be faithful in our actions, rather than successful in the eyes of people. Accepting our limitations allows us to focus on living a life that honors God and accepts our imperfect nature.
Romans 3:23
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
James 4:10
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
Psalms 139:14
“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalms 139:14
Living in Freedom
The more we try to please others, the more we can find ourselves trapped by expectations and opinions. Christ offers us freedom to live our lives without the heavy burden of seeking affirmation from every person we meet. True freedom in Christ means embracing who we are, imperfections and all. We are encouraged to live out our unique purpose with the strength that God provides. By focusing on His guidance, we can experience joy and peace beyond mere human approval.
Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36
Psalms 119:45
“I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts.” – Psalms 119:45
1 Peter 2:16
“Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves.” – 1 Peter 2:16
2 Corinthians 3:17
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17
Finding Strength in Community
While we should not solely seek to please others, we are designed to live in community. Finding people who support and uplift us can help us focus on God instead of the fear of disapproval. Community helps us grow and helps hold us accountable. With encouragement from fellow believers who understand our struggles, we can work together to love God and each other. This mutual support is vital for our faith journey and reminds us that we are not alone.
Hebrews 10:24–25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.” – Hebrews 10:24–25
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Romans 15:5–6
“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 15:5–6
Ephesians 4:2–3
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:2–3
Philippians 1:3–5
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” – Philippians 1:3–5
Final Thoughts
As we think about trying to please others, we are reminded that our true worth comes from our relationship with Christ. Seeking approval from others can lead us away from our purpose and identity as God’s beloved children. It’s important to focus on seeking God’s approval in our lives, as well as building genuine friendships that encourage us to be our true selves. Embracing our limitations helps us find freedom in living authentically and encourages us to foster supportive community relationships.
Finding strength in knowing we are made for community while also seeking the Lord’s approval allows us to live a fulfilling life. Remember that it is okay to be ourselves and that true freedom comes from embracing our identity in Christ. He is the one we should aim to please. Together we can encourage one another as we move forward in faith.
If you are interested in learning more about love, take a look at 1 John 4:20 and 1 John 4:21. There is always more to explore in God’s Word!