There are times when we feel unworthy to share the message of God’s love with others. Whether it’s due to mistakes from our past, struggles in our present, or simply comparing ourselves to others, feelings of inadequacy can hold us back. Perhaps you’ve heard these thoughts in your mind:

• “If people knew who I was before, they wouldn’t listen to me now.”
• “Someone else is more qualified for this—someone with less baggage.”
• “I need to get my life together before I can help others with theirs.”
• “Who am I to tell others how to live?”

These thoughts create barriers that prevent us from sharing the good news. But here’s the truth: God wants to use us regardless of our past, our present struggles, or how we perceive ourselves. I’m not suggesting that we live double lives or hide our struggles. Rather, I am saying that God doesn’t require perfection for us to be useful to His kingdom.

So, how do we overcome these feelings of not measuring up? Here are four suggestions that can help us move forward in obedience.

1. Preach the gospel to yourself.

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

It’s easy to get caught up in what others think of us, but the only opinion that truly matters is God’s. When we focus on how He sees us, we can step out in boldness.

Shrinking back from evangelism because you feel unworthy is not humility, it is not believing the gospel. You are not who you used to be. Your sins are forgiven. You are a child of God. You are His ambassador. Next time Satan tries to remind you of who you were, remind yourself of who you are in Christ.

2. The gospel is about God’s grace, not your perfection.

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.
1 Timothy 1:15

Paul had a past. He blasphemed Christ and persecuted Christians. Yet, despite his past, Jesus saved him and called him to share the gospel. Why? Because of God’s grace.

Grace means “unmerited favor.”  It is a gift that we cannot earn and do not deserve. It only comes through trusting Christ alone. Paul was not a poster child for self-improvement. He was not a model of reform. He was a trophy of God’s grace. That same grace is what we offer to others when we share the gospel.

If you wait until your life is perfect, you will never get around to pointing people to the One who is. We are saved by grace, kept by grace, and sent by grace with the message of grace.

3. Realize that what you think disqualifies you may qualify you.

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16

Most people would consider Paul’s past a disqualification. But Jesus used it to demonstrate His perfect patience and grace. Paul’s history wasn’t a barrier; it became the very thing God used to display His grace. If God could save Paul, He can save anyone!

In the same way, our struggles and past sins might seem like disqualifiers, but God can use them for His glory. Many times, the most powerful opportunities to share the gospel come from people who are going through the same things we’ve been through. Sharing how God has worked in our lives can point others to His faithfulness, love, and grace.

The next time you feel unqualified or inadequate, remember that God is not looking for perfection. He’s looking for willing hearts. Preach the gospel to yourself, rest in His grace, and know that your past does not disqualify you—it may just be the very thing that qualifies you to share the message of hope with the next person you encounter.

Remember, God uses broken people to reach broken people, and because of His grace, we can be His vessels for sharing His love and truth.