Have you ever labeled yourself as not good enough? Not smart enough? Not worthy? Sometimes we label ourselves with what is not true, yet we start to believe it about ourselves. But Jesus sees the real us. He sees us as treasured and loved.

This past weekend, I had the honor of being a part of a girls conference. It was a beautiful sight to see girls from middle school all the way to college getting together sharing in the truth of our Savior, being reminded of their true identity in Christ.

My dear friend was a speaker at the conference and shared her story with the girls, being real about the labels she has often worn. I see my friend as incredible, gifted, and a woman of peace, not any of the labels that she shared. I am far from my teen years but her story spoke to my heart and has caused me to ask myself – Am I wearing any labels that do not reflect my true self, my true identity in Christ?

It’s not worth letting false labels stick to us! Too often, we wear labels that are far from our true identity. Are there any labels that you are wearing that are far from the truth of who you are?

Labels do not represent who you are. Your identity is in Christ and you have the power of Christ living with you. Your real identity is love. Your real identity is beautiful. Your real identity is joy. Your real identity is confidence.

The truth of who you are doesn’t belong on a label. The truth is your identity in Christ.

You don’t belong to the labels that maybe someone has spoken over you or even the labels you have put on yourself. You belong to Jesus. You belong to truth.

But now, this is what the LORD says – He who created you, O Jacob; He who formed you, O Israel; Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name, you are mine.

Isaiah 43:1

The Father calls you by name and you are His. He honors you! I love how Isaiah 43 beautifully reminds me and you of this – “you are precious and honored in My sight, and because I love you . . . ”

I have read this verse several times but my heart noticed something that I haven’t really grasped before. The Father honors me. The Father honors you.

Jesus’ view for you is pure love. So many times, we can’t see love in ourselves and we view ourselves falsely, wearing the labels. But He didn’t design labels for us to wear. He designed our identity. Our identity is designed in truth and honor.

Let’s honor ourselves by removing any false label that is keeping us from the truth and heart of the Father. Let’s not allow the false labels to clutter the view Jesus has of us.

The Father honors you so don’t dishonor yourself with any label that is not truth. I have worn so many false labels for way too long but I choose to not allow them to stick to my heart or thoughts. My identity is Christ, my Savior and best friend. Your identity, too, is Christ, your Savior who loves and honors you.

The more we seek the Father and just sit in the quiet with our Savior, the more the truth will dwell within us and cause the false labels to fade away.

No more labels, friend. The Father honors you so honor the true you!