Using Galatians 3:26-27
For Feelings of Worthlessness and Depression
Galatians 3:26-27
Commentary
Questions
26So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Many people feel worthless and have what is commonly called, a sense of low self-esteem.
God has given us the Sacrament of baptism through which the Holy Spirit works faith in Jesus in us regardless of our age. In Baptism God blesses us with faith, the forgiveness of our sins, and the sure hope of eternal life. He calls us His Child in the Sacrament of Baptism, putting his name on us.
More passages of comfort regarding the Sacrament of Baptism can be found in Luther’s Small Catechism, Anniversary Edition, Northwestern Publishing House, Milwaukee, Wisconsin: 2017, pages 304-325.
- How does God assure you that you are a child of His in this passage?
- Our faith seems to go up and down at different times in our lives. What special assurance in this passage does God give you that you are and remain His child?
- When were you baptized?
- What does God say in this passage has happened to you by the work of the Holy Spirit through your baptism?
- So, when God looks at you, His baptized child, what is He seeing you wearing?
- So, when God looks at you, His baptized child, He is not seeing your sins. He is seeing the robes of Christ’s righteousness that you are wearing. How does the fact that God declared you His child in baptism comfort you?
- How does remembering your baptism give you a sense of how special you are to God?
- What meaning does that have for you?
*From the writings of Rev. Alan Siggelkow. Please cite if including this resource elsewhere.
The above exercise has greater benefit when working with a Christian therapist, your pastor, or a fellow Christian. Interaction and accountability with another person who can provide understanding and encouragement is reinforced in therapy sessions.
