Social angst is predominant in our culture. I can’t go anywhere without being confronted by its insidious influence. Are we ever good enough, cool enough, pretty enough, rich enough, young/old enough or accepted enough? What would it take for us to be comfortable in our skin, in our circumstances?
I have to say I actually have been given the answer but it’s so simple, most of society has rejected it out of hand. The answer is “identity!” Without knowing who we really are, we will continue to search for ourselves in superficial aspects. Outwardly we may be noticed, but we will never allow ourselves to be seen inwardly.
A definition of social anxiety is the fear and anxiety of being judged and evaluated negatively by other people, leading to feelings of inadequacy, embarrassment, humiliation, and depression. Love is the only identity we really need. It’s the only way we will ever “know and be known”. Love releases us from the false expectations of others. Love releases all to be ourselves. Love is the identity to crush the lie of social anxiety.
1Jn 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.