It can be hard to remove Labels once they’re affixed, can’t it?

They can be so darn sticky.

You can try to peel off the paper part of the label, but the adhesive often stubbornly remains behind on the object. It can take some strong chemicals or a lot of scrubbing to remove every last trace of a label or sticker.

But what about the labels that people affix on us, whether we want them to or not?

Labels like “loser,” “clumsy,” “screw-up,” “stupid,” “misfit,” or “failure.”

They can be the stickiest, and the hardest to remove.

Once people classify us in a certain way, it can be awfully hard to shake that identity. We eventually internalize the labels that people put on us, and believe that they must be true.

Especially when they’re negative.

But did you know that God has put “labels” on believers?

And they’re all good!

Take a look at some of the labels that God has affixed on you if you’re a believer in His Son Jesus:

“I am a child of God.” (John 1:12)

“I am completely forgiven.” (Col 1:14)

“I am tenderly loved by God.” (Jer. 31:3)

“I have peace with God.” (Rom. 5:1)

“I am chosen by Christ to bear fruit.” (John 15:5)

“I am God’s workmanship.” (Eph. 2:10)

How do those labels suit you? A lot better than the ones the world sticks on you, I’d wager. Want to try on a few more for size?

“I cannot be separated from the love of God.” (Rom. 8:35)

“I am the salt of the earth.” (Matt. 5:13)

“I am the light of the world.” (Matt. 5:14)

“The Holy Spirit lives in me.” (1 Cor. 3:16)

“I am free from any condemning charges against me.” (Rom 8:31)

Let’s not stop there! Just as you might plaster your suitcase with travel stickers showing all the places you’ve been, joyfully stick these labels on yourself to show just how much God loves you:

“I am chosen by God, holy and dearly loved.” (Col 3:12)

“I have been given great and precious promises by God.” (2 Peter 1:4)

“I have been bought with a price, and I belong to God.” (1 Cor. 6:19,20)

“I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength I need.” (Phil. 4:13)

We could go on and on. The Bible is full of labels like these, beautiful designations that God assigns to those who love Him.

Could you use some positive labels to replace to negative ones the world has stuck on you? Commit your life to Christ and all the above statements will be true of you, too!

Read them regularly. Commit them to your memory.

Let them sink firmly into your identity, and deep into your heart.

God will make sure these labels stick!

© 2021 Lori J. Cartmell. All rights reserved.