God Loves Us, Flaws and All

By Kharissa Forte |

Nearing my 28th birthday, I’ve become unapologetic for who I am. I’ve begun to embrace my flaws just as easily as I have my aptitudes. This isn’t an attitude of arrogance or pardoning of the things I need to work on. It’s an acceptance of who I am, as I am, just the way God made me.

Kharissa Forte is a contributing editor to Metro Voice Newspaper

For the longest time, I had an issue with unconditional love. I felt that my worth was based on my performance. The slightest show of what I deemed to be disapproval was a sign that I was not valued. This was the case for many relationships rather it be with my parents, friends, or even my husband. Things like not returning my call or not showing up to an event were signs in my mind that I was not loved and usually I would accuse that person of not reflecting love the way Christ expects us to.

You can imagine the airs of shock and offense I caused by rebuking people in my life of not loving me over the tiniest things. It wasn’t until I took a step back and did some real soul searching that I realized that my hang-ups with this love thing had nothing to do with them and everything to do with me.

I had not accepted me.

I was so busy trying to impress others and win their love, I failed to recognize that the only person I was truly trying to satisfy was myself.

Constantly, I allowed thoughts of not being good enough and needing to do more, achieve more, be more run rampant through my mind. Yet, the Bible said that I was just fine as is.

Romans 15:7 says, “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God,” (NIV).

While the concept in this scripture applies to our relationships with each other, it ministered to me concerning how I viewed myself.

If Christ accepted me, why couldn’t I? Like most emotional dysfunctions, I discovered that childhood experiences and my own shortcomings held the key to that answer.

Thing is, those chains of emotional bondage were unlocked long ago on the cross and when I gave my life to Him, that was my cue to shake them off.

I wonder, sister, if you, too, have battled with accepting yourself just as Christ accepted you. What incidents have occurred where someone has made you feel unworthy of unconditional love? In what instances, perhaps, have you let yourself down?

We’ve heard it before: we are the clay and He is the potter. To not accept ourselves is to throw the workmanship of God back in His face. When you choose to love you wholeheartedly, it brings praise to God. Wow!

I’m awkward and quirky. I talk a tough game, but I’m actually pretty sensitive. Sometimes, I don’t manage my time well and I can’t sing to save my life. My pores are huge, my toes curve out, and I am fearfully and wonderfully made! I am His and if for no other reason I accept myself because of that.

I would like for you to accept yourself, too. He already has, so what are you waiting for?

–Kharissa Forte is a wife and mother of two. She received her journalism degree from UMKC and has a passion for health & fitness, young couples, and relationships among women. Follow Kharissa on

Twitter @KharissaForte.