Would You Rather Be Known or Needed?

Known or needed?

Have you ever wondered if people love you because they know you, or because they need you?

Or maybe a better question will be: would you rather be known or needed?

Being needed can feel a lot like being loved…until you realize people are attached to what you do, not who you are.

To be known, you have to be seen. Seen beyond what you offer, beyond how you help, beyond the strength you always show. It means being listened to, understood, and accepted, not just appreciated for your usefulness.

But for someone to know you, you have to let them in. That also means talking, sharing, explaining, answering, and sometimes just sitting in the discomfort of being honest.

Because communication is a lifeline. It’s how love grows roots.

But, there’s always the other side.

You can be needed because you’re reliable. Because you always show up. Because you fix things, comfort people, and hold everyone else together.

That kind of love stems from gratitude but not always intimacy.

I am not saying it’s wrong. It’s just… different.

And truthfully, sometimes, it’s easier to be needed than to be known.

Because being known means baring the parts of yourself you’ve kept hidden, letting someone close enough to see the real you; flaws, fears, fragility, and all. 

And there’s no guarantee that they won’t turn around and misuse that access.

That’s why some relationships exist only in servitude and gratitude.

But a love that stems from knowing and appreciating you for who you are?

That’s different. Very different

That kind of love reminds me of the love that Jesus has for His church.

A love described as that of a bridegroom for his bride. Daily, Jesus rejoices over me and you (his bride) as a bridegroom. 

Let that sink in - Daily. 

See how excited bridegrooms are at their weddings? That is Jesus over you EVERY SINGLE DAY! 

And he is this excited even when he knows you for you? Yes!

In Him, you are not just needed. You are truly known, deeply seen, and yet fully loved.

Would you come to him again today?