by Jaz James
Let’s be real for a second—life can feel like a stage, and not just the one you’re dancing on. People are quick to judge, to whisper, to act like they know your story when they’ve never walked a step in your shoes. Maybe you’ve even caught yourself wondering, “Could God really love me for who I am?”
The answer? Absolutely, 100%, no doubt about it. God’s love is the real deal—no strings, no conditions, no fine print.
God Loves You as You Are
Here’s the truth: You don’t have to clean yourself up, change who you are, or hit some invisible “good enough” mark to be loved by God. He loves you right here, right now, just as you are. Whether you’re working late nights or living in the spotlight, His love is constant.
And guess what? There’s nothing you’ve done—nothing you could ever do—that would make Him stop loving you. Romans 8:38-39 spells it out:
"I’m convinced that nothing—absolutely nothing—can separate us from God’s love."
That includes your job, your past, your doubts, and even the moments you feel like you don’t measure up.
Let’s Talk About Shame
If you’ve ever felt weighed down by shame—like you’re not enough or like God’s disappointed in you—you’re not alone. So many of us carry that weight, but here’s the thing: Shame isn’t from God. That heavy feeling that tells you you’re unworthy? It’s a lie.
God doesn’t look at you and see mistakes or failures. He looks at you and sees someone He made with purpose and beauty.
One woman put it like this:
"I used to think I had to get my act together before God would love me. But one night, I just sat down and talked to Him, no filter. It was messy and raw, but I felt this crazy peace, like He wasn’t mad or disappointed—He just loved me."
That’s what grace feels like. It’s like taking off a mask you didn’t even know you were wearing and realizing you’re already enough.
Grace Is Bigger Than Judgment
God’s grace isn’t a prize for being perfect—it’s a gift for being human. He doesn’t ask you to earn it. He just asks you to trust that it’s real. Ephesians 2:8-9 says it best:
"God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it’s a gift from God."
Grace means you don’t have to be perfect, and you don’t have to have it all figured out. It means God loves you even when you’re not sure you love yourself.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Faith isn’t about checking boxes or following rules—it’s about knowing you’re not alone. God’s not some faraway figure waiting to strike you down. He’s the one standing beside you, whispering, “I see you. I love you. I’m here.”
Take a second and talk to Him, just like you’d talk to a friend. You don’t need fancy words or perfect prayers. You can be real. God already knows your heart, and He’s just waiting for you to let Him in.
You Are Loved, Period
Here’s what I want you to take away: You are loved. Not “if” loved. Not “when” loved. Just loved. Right now. Always.
So when the world gets loud with its judgment, tune it out and tune into the truth: God’s got your back. His love isn’t about where you work, what you’ve done, or what others say. It’s about you, exactly as you are.
And that? That’s grace. It’s yours to hold onto, no matter where your journey takes you.
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Jaz James is the director of Strip Church and founder of Lace Warriors, a strip club ministry that currently serves over 300 entertainers in West Texas and Northern Mexico.