Being a single older woman, Ina sometimes felt as if she didn’t belong in her church, as if it wasn’t for her, and as if she didn’t matter, even to God. But she doesn’t feel that way anymore. People with gifts of compassion and kindness noticed her, and caring people surrounded her with God’s love, helping her to experience community. Now her gifts are being used, her feedback is listened to, and people make time to listen to her and spend time with her. She is a vital member of her church community, and people look forward to seeing her every Sunday in the entryway, where she hands out candy to children.

Ina also knows that she matters to God. Every one of us needs to know that.

We matter so much to God that he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to give of himself so that we can show his love to others. He came to give us gifts of service and kindness and leadership so that we may be built up and reach unity in the faith, growing and maturing in Christ. As the apostle Paul puts it, all who believe in Jesus make up the body of Christ here on earth, and he is our head. And in his strength the body grows and builds itself up in love.

You matter to God. And you matter to the people around you. Your gifts, abilities, and presence make a difference to your community, and they make a difference to God!