In many religious traditions, including within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the concept of worthiness often plays a central role. The idea that one must be “worthy” to receive God’s love, blessings, and guidance can be a powerful motivator for spiritual growth and righteous living. However, this same concept can also become a source of deep-seated anxiety, shame, and feelings of inadequacy for those who feel they fall short of these expectations.
The belief that we must earn God’s love through our actions and righteousness is not only spiritually limiting but can also have profound psychological effects. It perpetuates the myth that our lovability is conditional, dependent on how closely we adhere to a set of standards or how perfectly we follow the prescribed path. But what if this idea is fundamentally flawed? What if God’s love is not something we need to earn but something that is freely given, regardless of our actions or perceived worthiness?
Challenging the Idea of Conditional Love
The notion that God’s love must be earned can lead to a transactional relationship with the divine. It suggests that if we perform certain acts, follow certain rules, or achieve a certain level of righteousness, we will be rewarded with God’s favor. Conversely, if we fail to meet these expectations, we risk losing God’s love and approval. This mindset fosters a constant striving for perfection, often accompanied by a deep fear of failure and a sense of unworthiness when we inevitably fall short.
However, this view of God’s love is not only damaging but also fundamentally at odds with the teachings of many spiritual traditions, including those within the LDS Church. The essence of divine love is that it is unconditional—given freely, without requirement or expectation. God’s love is not a reward for good behavior; it is the foundation of our very existence, the source from which we draw our strength, compassion, and humanity.
Embracing Our Inherent Lovability
When we shift our understanding of God’s love from something to be earned to something that is inherent and unconditional, we open ourselves up to a more profound and healing spiritual experience. This shift allows us to see ourselves not as flawed beings striving for perfection but as inherently worthy individuals, loved and cherished by God just as we are.
This perspective can be incredibly liberating. It frees us from the burden of constantly measuring ourselves against an unattainable standard and allows us to embrace our humanity—including our mistakes and imperfections—as part of our spiritual journey. When we accept that we are loved unconditionally, we can begin to let go of the fear and shame that often accompany feelings of unworthiness.
The Power of Unconditional Love
Understanding that God’s love is unconditional doesn’t mean that we stop striving to live righteous lives or that we abandon our spiritual practices. Instead, it transforms the motivation behind these actions. Rather than acting out of fear of losing God’s love, we act out of a deep sense of gratitude and a desire to grow closer to the divine. Our spiritual practices become expressions of love and devotion rather than efforts to prove our worth.
Moreover, embracing the idea of unconditional love can lead to greater compassion for ourselves and others. When we recognize that our worthiness is not contingent on our actions, we are better able to extend that same grace to others. We become less judgmental, more forgiving, and more capable of loving others without conditions.
Moving Forward with Confidence
For many within the LDS Church, letting go of the myth of worthiness can be a challenging process. It requires reexamining long-held beliefs and being open to a new understanding of God’s love. But this shift can also be incredibly rewarding. By embracing the truth that we are inherently lovable and that God’s love is unconditional, we can move forward with greater confidence, resilience, and peace.
The message is clear: We do not need to earn God’s love because it is already ours. Our lovability does not fluctuate based on our actions; it remains a constant, unwavering truth. As we embrace this understanding, we open ourselves to a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with God—one rooted in love, acceptance, and joy rather than fear or striving. This shift allows us to live with greater confidence, resilience, and peace, knowing that we are inherently worthy and infinitely loved.