It is the most amazing feeling to know who you truly are. There is no greater path to genuine lasting peace once you are confident in who you are according to truth.
A dear friend of mine is going through a time in his life where he is being accused of things he has not done. My heart goes out to him because I have been through similar situations in my life. When I say that my heart goes out to him, it not only goes out in compassion but also in rejoicing. Rejoicing? What is there to rejoice about when someone is being accused and lied about? First of all, there’s nothing you can do once someone decides to trash your character for whatever selfish and vindictive reason they believe they have. Furthermore, in this social media day and age, lies about you will go around the world before you even hear about it. Second and most importantly, our Lord blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are his followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way. I reminded him and continually remind myself not to listen and take to heart what people say about me but believe and take a firm hold of what Jesus says about who I am. He’s always right while human judgement will usually be wrong or at least inaccurate. What he says about me is beautiful, and really beyond comprehension or words besides the fact that he thinks of me continually. Not to mention that him being absolutely perfect was accused, ridiculed, lied about and ultimately crucified as a criminal for you and me. (Selah) To go through what he also went through is to me a source of honor as I partake of the injustices brought upon him, my savior. I jotted down a few things Jesus says about who we are and what we have when we put our faith in him.
I am a new creation. The old me was crucified and buried. The new me was raised, and made alive with Christ who is now my life. My old condemned, sinful nature has been removed. I died to the power of sin’s rule over me.
I am born again, redeemed, and justified. I am forgiven. I am complete. I am at peace. I am healed and made whole. I am clean. I am blameless. I am free. I am chosen, holy and dearly loved. I am the righteousness of God. I am his child, the apple of his eye.
I am the salt of the earth. I am the light of the world. I am chosen and appointed by Christ to bear fruit. I am one with him who sets me apart. I am a partaker of the heavenly calling. I am a living stone, being built up in Christ as a spiritual house. I am God’s own possession. I am an alien, a pilgrim, a stranger to this world. I am a citizen of heaven and seated in heaven now. I am a temple, a dwelling place for God.
His Spirit and His life dwell in me. The Holy Spirit in me is a pledge and assurance of my inheritance. I have the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that I might know all things freely he has given me. I have been given a spirit of power and love. I have the mind of Christ. I have been given a new heart. I have been given precious promises by God. I am given strength in exchange for weakness, beauty for ashes. I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. I have been blessed with every spiritual blessing. I have direct access to God. I can approach him anytime with boldness, freedom, and confidence.
I was chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. I am not my own. I was bought with a costly price. I belong to God and am victorious through Him. I am to God the fragrance of Jesus. I am God’s handiwork. I am born of God so that the evil one, the devil cannot touch me. I have been rescued from the domain of Satan’s rule and transferred to the kingdom of Christ. I am called out of darkness and into the light and life of Christ. I am free from fear, accusations, and condemnation.
I have been sanctified and called to holiness. I am a joint heir with Christ. The debt against me has been cancelled. I have conquered all things through Him who loves me. I have eternal life. I am free, I am his, I am loved.
I wish you could see the smile on my face and know the joy filling my heart when I remind myself of what he says about me. Now you know who I am. Most definitely a reason for rejoicing, whatever what people say.
