Also of fundamental importance to emotional well-being is a sense of purpose. As God forgives, he does not leave us adrift in the world. Rather, he graciously gives us purpose and direction, equipping us to declare and demonstrate his mercies — and to find joy and fulfillment in doing so. As Scripture (in the ESV) says:

• Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” - John 15:11
• [Christ] died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. - 2 Cor. 5:15
• [Jesus] gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. - Titus 2:14
• For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. - Eph. 2:10
• 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
• Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving. - Col. 2:6-7