Today we will talk about the “come just as you are” concept that resonates throughout the Bible. Many Christians might wonder what it truly means when we think about coming to God in our authentic selves. This idea invites us to understand that we do not need to be perfect or polished to approach Him; rather, it emphasizes that God welcomes us exactly where we are, with all our flaws, doubts, and struggles. This is a beautiful reminder that our journey towards faith is personal and unique, and it’s perfectly okay to bring our true selves into His presence. As we dive into His word, let’s meditate on our identity in Christ and the acceptance that He extends to each one of us.
Come Just as You Are Bible Verses
Embracing Our True Selves
When we talk about coming just as we are, we are reminded to embrace our true selves. We don’t have to wear a mask or pretend to be someone we’re not. God knows us intimately, and He loves us just as we are. This message encourages us to drop any pretense and allow God to meet us in our reality, making it possible for us to experience His grace and love in profound ways.
John 6:37
“All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” – John 6:37
Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” – Isaiah 1:18
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
Romans 5:8
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Psalm 34:18
“The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Finding Forgiveness
In our journey of coming just as we are, we often carry the weight of our mistakes and shortcomings. Thankfully, the Bible is rich with assurance that forgiveness is attainable. God’s heart is to forgive and cleanse us. It is essential to remember that when we approach Him, we’re met with open arms and an invitation to experience His mercy. Our past does not dictate our future in Christ.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” – Psalm 103:12
Isaiah 43:25
“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” – Isaiah 43:25
Micah 7:19
“He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” – Micah 7:19
Ephesians 1:7
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” – Ephesians 1:7
The Comfort of Community
As we navigate life’s challenges in our authentic selves, we are reminded of the importance of community. Coming just as we are allows us to connect with others who are also on a journey to lean into God’s grace. Together, we can uplift each other and remind one another of God’s accepting heart. Sharing our stories of faith creates bonds and offers a support network steeped in love.
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Romans 12:10
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10
Colossians 3:13
“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” – Colossians 3:13
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
The Power of Love
Coming just as we are also opens us up to experience God’s incredible love. It’s through His love that we understand our worth and gain the strength to move forward in our lives. God’s love transcends our imperfections and allows healing in our hearts. Not only must we receive His love, but we are also called to share it with others, spreading the same acceptance we have found.
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
Romans 5:5
“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” – Romans 5:5
John 15:12
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
1 Peter 4:8
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” – 1 Peter 4:8
Galatians 5:13
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13
Accepting Our Journey
Coming just as we are includes accepting our unique journey and recognizing that our experiences shape us. Each step of faith is a building block in our relationship with God. In embracing our past, we can see how it works in tandem with God’s plan, bringing us closer to the person He has called us to be. Our imperfections are part of our beautiful story!
Philippians 1:6
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
James 1:2-4
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” – James 1:2-4
Romans 8:28
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
1 Corinthians 10:13
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13
Stepping Out in Faith
When we embrace the idea of coming just as we are, it often requires us to take steps of faith. God doesn’t ask us to clean ourselves up before we approach Him. Rather, He invites us to bring our uncertainties and doubts—the good, the bad, and the messy. Stepping out in faith means trusting that God can turn our ordinary encounters into extraordinary moments of grace.
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” – Proverbs 3:5-6
Philippians 4:13
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13
Mark 11:24
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” – Mark 11:24
Romans 10:17
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” – Romans 10:17
Welcoming Change
Coming just as we are also involves being open to change. When we allow God’s spirit to work in our lives, we become more attuned to His voice and ready to follow His leading. This gives us a fresh perspective and ignites a hunger for growth. It’s comforting to know that, with every step we take, God is shaping us into who we were created to be.
Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2
2 Corinthians 3:18
“And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” – 2 Corinthians 3:18
Ephesians 4:22-24
“To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds.” – Ephesians 4:22-24
Colossians 3:10
“And have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator.” – Colossians 3:10
James 4:8
“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you…” – James 4:8
Living Out Our Purpose
As we embrace our journey of coming just as we are, we begin to discover our purpose in God’s kingdom. Each of us has a unique calling and place where we can shine His light. When we accept our journey, forgiveness, and community, we can step out in faith and serve others, reflecting the love we’ve received. It’s a beautiful cycle of giving and receiving!
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10
1 Corinthians 12:12
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12
Acts 20:24
“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” – Acts 20:24
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
Final Thoughts
Through this journey of exploring the “come just as you are” concept, we’ve uncovered the warmth and acceptance that God has for each of us. Our imperfections do not disqualify us; instead, they highlight the beauty of God’s grace. As we embrace our true selves, find forgiveness, and lean into community, we begin to understand the depth of God’s love. Stepping out in faith, welcoming change, and uncovering our unique purpose brings us closer to a fulfilling relationship with Him. Remember, we are never alone in our struggles; God is always ready to meet us right where we are. Let’s accept His invitation to come just as we are and trust in the journey ahead.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4