The Power of the GospelНамуна

The Gospel Truth About Ourselves

Who are you? What do you really know about yourself? What is the “truest” thing about you?

Is it your role at work? Is it your place in the family? Is it your accomplishments?

As men, we can have a hard time settling into an identity that isn’t built on our work, finances, or successes.

The problem is that these will all fade away. And when they do, our identity is at risk.

Gene Beresin, Executive Director of the MGH Clay Centre for Young Healthy Minds, says that identity is “considered a basic human need. Identity is critical for maintaining a solid sense of self. It’s the glue that holds us together, even in the most discombobulating of circumstances. Without a solid sense of self, without being known by others, we remain just a face in the crowd, invisible, or worse—nonexistent.”

How can we find an identity that offers the truth, security, and longevity we desire?

Brothers, until we really understand that we are sons of the living God and are deeply loved, we will always be on shaky ground.

Paul says, “I pray that you will have power together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. And to know this love, which surpasses all knowledge – that you might be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Ephesians 3:17-19)

When we know that we are loved, we can love in return. Our wives, kids, and friends need to receive love as well. They need men who are secure in their identity in Christ.

The Gospel makes our security very clear. Nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). We belong to Him as His sons.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to understand Your love better. I can get so confused and let my identity be wrapped up in things that won’t last. I want my identity to be tied to what You say about me. Thank You that You have called me Your son! Help me to live in that truth. Amen.

Reflection: Do you find receiving and showing love easy or hard? On a scale of 1-10, how convinced are you that you are completely loved by God? How might you go deeper in that love?

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