simply loved
Most of us identify ourselves by where we were born, what we do, what we believe in, our gender, style, talents, and cultural upbringing. However, our true DNA (genetic blueprint and identification) comes from our Heavenly Father. He calls us sons (no gender identity—same in the sense of being identical), and you have been created in His image and in His likeness, which means you don't have to conform or apologize for who you are.
Before we were ever conceived in the natural, we were conceived in the Spirit. This means we are spiritually supernatural. Don't move too fast from that statement; take a moment to soak it in.
"G-d said, "Let Us make human beings in Our image, according to Our likeness... So G-d created man in His own image. In the image of G-d, He created him; male and female, He created them." (Genesis 1:26-27 NKJV)
We are not G-d, but we are His children, and because we are His children, we belong to Him. Without understanding this foundational truth, you can accidentally get caught up in trying to prove your sonship. Remember, nothing shall separate you from His love (Romans 8:39). Knowing your identity is being seated in the confidence of what a much-loved child you are, not based on performance or what you do. If we are not careful, we can get tricked into thinking that our accomplishments and failures are a baseline for being accepted and validated.
For so many years, I misunderstood the definition of love. I thought love was based on emotion and my affection towards the other person. I was tricked into believing that what I did and how I pressured myself to dot every "I" and cross every "T" was my acceptance to be loved by G-d and those I genuinely cared about. Love that is unconditional has just that—no conditions! Love is the most powerful force on earth because it does not discriminate, and it always makes the best decision for good and not evil, no matter how the person responds.
In Greek there are four descriptive ways the word love is used: agapē, eros, phileō, and storgē. Agapē means unconditional love. Our Heavenly Father IS pure agapē. It is the unconquerable goodwill that always seeks the highest good of the other person, no matter what he or she does. Éros refers to an impulsive passion that is emotionally involved based on chemistry. The basic idea of this love is self-satisfaction. Phileō is a companionable love that properly shows warm affection in intimate friendship, characterized by tender, heartfelt consideration and kinship. Storgē means love and affection towards someone you care for affectionately, take pleasure in, have a personal attachment to, or are fond of.
Our Heavenly Father's agapē love towards you is eternal and limitless. It is in His perfect love that you have a home you can run to and be safe, always. Allow yourself to feel the peace that will never leave you because you are worthy, more than enough, beyond blessed, and simply loved.