When You Don’t Feel Lovable: Why Baptism Still Matters

Baptism is one of my favorite theological topics to talk about. Today, I want to take a more personal lens—one that might speak especially to you if you’re in a weary season of life. (If you’re looking for a more in-depth theological exploration, click here).

I’ve been married for about 17 years, and we’ve got three amazing kids. It’s a wonderful life—but also an exhausting one. I wish I could say I knock it out of the park every day as a husband and father, but the truth is, some days are just hard. My patience wears thin. I don’t listen well. I mess up.

I remember one day in particular. I was worn out—physically, emotionally, spiritually. I had nothing left in the tank. While I knew my wife loved me, that day I didn’t feel very lovable. But then she looked at me and said, “I love you.” Just like that.

It hit me. There’s something powerful about love spoken from outside of you. It cuts through the noise. It reaches your heart in a way your own thoughts can’t.

Baptism is like that.

It’s an incredible gift from God—an external, tangible reality where God says, “I love you.” Even as a pastor, there are days when faith is hard. Days when God feels far away. On those days, I can remind myself intellectually that God loves me. But the beauty of baptism is that it’s not based on what I feel or how strong my faith is. It stands outside of all of that.

At the baptismal font, God chose me. United me to Jesus (Romans 6:1–5). Declared over me what He once declared over Jesus: “This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased.”

So if you’re struggling right now—if faith feels distant, or you feel unworthy or unloved—here’s an ancient, simple practice: remember your baptism.

Dip your thumb or finger in water. Make the sign of the cross on your forehead. Feel the water. Let it ground you. Let it remind you that before you chose God, He chose you. And He’s still saying:

You are mine. I love you.

And if you haven’t been baptized—or you’ve been considering it for your child—we’d love to invite you to take that step. Join us at Family Day on August 10. It’s a joyful day of worship, community fun, and an open invitation to be baptized or talk more about what baptism means for your life.

Whether you’re exploring faith or rediscovering it—we’d love to walk with you.