Faith | ..... But God Still Loves Me

This past weekend I had the urge to watch The Fighting Temptations. It’s a movie I haven’t seen in ages (it was originally released in 2003) but has always been one of my favorites. It has a star-studded cast that includes Cuba Gooding Jr., Mike Epps, Steve Harvey, Angie Stone, and Beyoncé Knowles. The movie revolves around Darrin Hill (Cuba Gooding Jr.), a New York City advertising executive who learns he will inherit his aunt's fortune only if he can lead his hometown church choir to victory in a gospel competition. Darrin travels back to his small Southern town, where he struggles to find talented singers and reconcile with his past. Faced with a choir that lacks talent and coordination, Darrin decides to diversify by recruiting unconventional singers, including a nightclub singer named Lilly (Beyoncé). Over time, Darrin and Lilly develop a romantic interest in each other. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including skepticism from the church community and Darrin's own personal shortcomings, the choir gradually improves and comes together as a cohesive group, going on to win a prestigious gospel competition to close out the film.

Now, say what you want about Beyoncé, Cuba, Steve Harvey, and others. I realize that none of them really represent Jesus in the best way, but this post isn’t about that and definitely isn’t about them. The movie they came together to make blends comedy, drama, and uplifting musical performances, particularly in the gospel genre, to tell a story of redemption, love, and the power of community. One of the musical performances and songs that stands out from the movie is He Still Loves Me. The chorus of the song is as follows:

Seems like I always fall short/Of bein’ worthy/’Cause I ain’t good enough/But He still loves me/I ain’t no superstar/The spotlight ain’t shinin’ on me/’Cause I ain’t good enough/But He still loves me

The melody of this song and these lyrics have always resonated with me, and this past weekend the song just popped into my head out of nowhere. As previously stated, I hadn’t watched this movie in years, and I hadn’t heard this song in a very long time as well. I felt as if the Lord was telling me to listen to the song and drink in what it was saying as it had been a while. So, I was obedient and did just that. I watched the movie at my earliest convenience and when it reached the part where the song was being performed (which is at the very end), I became transfixed and began to sing along. As I was singing and praising God, tears came to my eyes as I started to think about the song's words. Despite not being worthy of His love, not being worthy of His goodness and mercy, He still loves me. Wow, what a wonderful Savoir!

A Social Media Post

I typically don’t post that much on social media, but I felt inspired this weekend. So, I posted a paraphrased version of the song’s lyrics on Facebook: I know I ain’t good enough, but He still loves me. I was amazed and surprised at how many positive reactions and comments the post received. I almost decided against posting it as I really didn’t think it was necessary to do so; I also thought, “What happens if a hater comes through with a negative or ignorant comment? Do you really wanna deal with that?” But it’s like the Lord wouldn’t let up on my spirit to follow through with it. I’m glad I was obedient and listened because it was something that resonated with more than just me.

Although the majority of the comments I received on the post were positive, there was one comment someone posted that ultimately inspired this week’s blog post. The comment really wasn’t negative, but I think it missed the mark. A former co-worker of mine posted, “And you are good enough.” When I initially read it, I thought to myself, “Satan just had to say something.” But then I thought maybe the comment wasn’t coming from a place of strife but from a place of misunderstanding.

The Takeaway | God Still Loves Me

When the song declares “I ain’t good enough,” it’s not saying we as humans are not good enough for or to God. After all, we were created and made in His image. However, Isiah 64:6, KJV, says, But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. Thus, there’s nothing we can do that will ever be good enough or worthy enough to receive the type of love that God bestows upon us. I mean, think about it: God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Then His Son, Jesus Christ, gave his life so that our sins could be forgiven and wouldn’t be held against us for eternity. What could any of us possibly do that could be worthy or good enough to receive such love?

Yet and still, despite not being good enough, He still loves me. He still loves you. He still loves ALL of us! We are shunned by the world, whether we succeed in life or not. Somebody will always find some way to point out how we’re not measuring up. But Jesus still loves us regardless of our accomplishments and regardless of our failures. He doesn’t focus on how many times we get it right or wrong. He won’t throw it in our faces when we mess up. He doesn’t only accept us if we do something amazing or spectacular. We can say or do some of the stupidest things in the world (and we often do), and there He is; still loving us, still providing for us, still protecting us, still making a way out of no way. Thank you, Lord! So, no, I’m not good enough when it comes to receiving such perfect love. But I’m so glad He still loves me anyhow. Bless His holy name.

Chris Barber is a freelance writer and contributor to the blog. His desire is to write scripts and pursue his dreams of story telling. If you would like to contact Chris with an opportunity and or feedback, visit our Meet The Team page.

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