🧐 Religious Voice vs God’s Voice: How to Tell the Difference

Last Thursday, I was so excited to treat my three sons to a little mommy date at a coffee shop before work.

But, just as I went to pay, I realized I'd left my debit card in yesterday's jeans. 😯

While I was stammering apologies to the barista, she just smiled and scribbled down a free latte and 3-way-split almond milk steamer for my boys and me. 🥹💞

It was such a small gesture but with a deep impact, which reminded me of how little things can make us feel so valued, cared for, and seen—a feeling we all crave but often miss in our relationship with God.

Ever catch yourself doubting that God truly values you? Maybe even feeling not good enough?

Sometimes, we subconsciously imagine Him more like that guy who just stole our parking spot to “teach us something” rather than the grace-giving barista handing us what we didn’t deserve, simply because He delights in us.

But that—the generous, joy-filled, arms-wide-open nature—is who He actually is.

It’s a tough place to be when we don’t see it, often stirred by that pesky “religious spirit”—the same Pharisaic mindset Jesus confronted head-on.

This sneaky voice distorts our view of God with whispers like:

💭 "I’m always messing up. God must be disappointed with me."

💭 "He's keeping score of every failure."

💭 "God probably favors those ‘better’ Christians over me."

💭 “He wants to do great things for others, but not me.”

💭 "If only I were better or different, maybe I’d matter more."

💭 "He might think I don't trust Him if I doubt or question."

💭 "I must be perfect, or He’ll be angry with me."

💭 "I’m just not the kid He was hoping for."

Sound familiar?

These thoughts create a false distance between us and God, leading to feelings of rejection and confusion about His true nature. They stem from a deep desire to be our best selves—but fear, shame, and criticism will never lead us there. That’s not the language of God.

For years, I let these legalistic beliefs harass me—masquerading as God's disapproval and robbing me of the confidence and joy He wanted me to have. I thought my struggle proved He was disappointed with me. But Jesus' blood and His words tell a very different story.

The truth? God sees you, values you, and speaks life over you. When His words take root in your heart, they transform you—bringing freedom, joy, and purpose like nothing else can.

So let’s bust these myths with some truth:

🔍 You Are Unconditionally Loved: This is where you start from—not what you work towards. God created you as “good enough” for Him, then redeemed you through Jesus’ blood, tossing anything “less than” into the depths of the sea. Like the Prodigal Son, God isn’t keeping score—His love is all about grace and connection. You are pure delight to His heart, and when you receive His love, you can truly reflect it.

🔍 God’s Love Is Patient: Think about how Jesus responded to Peter after he messed up—not with scolding, but with gentle love, encouragement, and empowerment.

🔍 God Values Your Faith, Not Perfection: Jesus praised the faith of the Centurion and the bleeding woman, showing that it’s your trust in Him—not perfection or status—that truly matters.

🔍 Your Doubts Are Welcome: Remember Doubting Thomas? Jesus didn’t turn him away; He met him right where he was with proof and love.

🔍 God Cares Deeply About You: Jesus cares for every part of your life, even down to the smallest details. From feeding the 5,000 to tending to birds and flowers, He showed us how thoroughly God provides. Every time you call, He listens, because every concern matters to Him.

🔍 Your True Identity Is In Him: Matthew was a tax collector—someone people distrusted—yet Jesus chose him. Your past, labels, or standards don’t define your future with God. The cross has spoken, and each day, you get to begin from a place of purity and victory!

🔍 Perfect Love Leads You: The Holy Spirit whispers destiny over you, calling you higher—not through condemnation, but through perfect love. Jesus’ life shows this so clearly. Every interaction—from Zacchaeus to the woman at the well—overflowed with grace, connection, and compassion. He paused for them, got in the dirt with them, looked them in the eye, and touched their hearts. It wasn’t shame but His kindness that led them to healing and empowered transformation.

You, my friend, are incredibly precious to God—not for what you do, but simply because you are His. Let that truth sink deep.

Dismiss that critical religious voice trying to undermine your true identity in Christ. Jesus’ voice is life-giving, peaceful, and empowering!

I hope you feel truly valued by Jesus this week, with eyes to see from the grandest gifts down to the smallest gestures of thoughtful care He's pouring out for you.☕

Wrapped in the Father’s love,

Kelsi