Compassion: 30 Days of HeartworkSample

Who I Am

HEART //

In order for us to know the love that God has for us, we’ve got to learn to rely on it. When we do life with anyone for a significant amount of time, we begin to talk in the same ways, share the same values, and even dream about things together. Consider our families or best friends. ... We spend a lot of time together and talk about the deepest parts of ourselves that we do not share with others. If our best friends tend to make poor decisions, it begins to rub off on us. If our parents tend to be kind and loving, we tend to be the same way. This is because the things and people that will influence us the most are the things and people we spend the most time with. 

With the understanding that we are children of God, we will want to spend more time with our Father. Talking and interacting with God makes us more like Him. God is love! The identity we are given as His children is love. Love defines us. When we live knowing that one fact, we believe that we are loved and we are worth loving, and we will overflow with love into the world around us.

Consider where your source of identity is coming from. Be encouraged that if you’ve found your identity in the wrong places, you can change! You can live in God’s love, and with that you can’t help but be a good influence on the people you spend time with! There are untold stories that will unfold and people whose lives you will touch as you realize who you are and walk in that truth. The world is waiting. ... Who will you know and rely on? Who will you believe?    

WORK //

Who are some of the people you spend the most time with? How do their habits (good and bad) rub off on you? Spend a few minutes writing down how you have defined your identity. Compare the identity you’ve created based on what others say about you to your true identity based on who God says you are. Here are a few verses if you need a reminder of the identity God has given you: 2 Corinthians 5:17, Psalm 139, Ephesians 2:10, Ephesians 1:3-12, Romans 8:14-17. 

If these lists are very different, think about which kind of person you were created to be. Ask the Lord to remind you throughout this week who you are in Him, and pray for those who do not know the love of their Father. Maybe you’ll have a chance to show love to someone who really needs it! 

Watch this video about Grace’s journey toward self-love, self-acceptance and finding her worth in Christ despite extremely challenging circumstances.