This journey of understanding who we are in Christ is both profound and transformative. Let’s delve into this topic, exploring how our identity evolves and how we can grow in our understanding of who we are in Jesus.

Recently, I participated in a leadership course that required me to take a strengths assessment. To my dismay, the results highlighted strengths I found rather mundane. I longed to be an inspirational leader, but the test revealed I was more relational. This led to a moment of frustration and a realisation that I still had work to do on my identity.

This experience reminded me of the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4. Jesus, breaking cultural norms, spoke to her and acknowledged her worth despite her being a social outcast. He offered her “living water,” symbolising eternal life and a new identity in Him. This encounter transformed her, and she went on to share her experience with her entire town.

One of the most striking aspects of Jesus’ interaction with the Samaritan woman is how He made her feel like she belonged before she even believed. Often, we expect people to behave a certain way before they can belong to our community. However, Jesus flips this paradigm. He invites us to belong first, which then transforms our behaviour and beliefs.

In Ephesians 3:14-19, Paul prays for the church, emphasising the importance of being rooted and established in love. He speaks of the vastness of Christ’s love, which surpasses knowledge and fills us with the fullness of God. This love is the foundation of our identity in Christ.

So, how do we grow in our identity in Christ? Here are some practical steps:

1. Embrace Belonging: Understand that you belong to Jesus. No matter your past or present circumstances, you are a child of God. Reflect on John 1:12, which says, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
2. Seek Revelation: Pray for a deeper revelation of God’s love. Ephesians 3:18-19 encourages us to grasp “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” and to know this love that surpasses knowledge.
3. Surrender Daily: Ask God to reveal areas in your life that do not reflect Him. Surrender these areas to Him and allow His love to transform you. Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
4. Reflect Christ: As you grow in your identity, strive to reflect Christ to others. Just as the Samaritan woman shared her encounter with Jesus, let your life be a testimony of His love and grace. Matthew 5:16 says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Our journey of identity transformation is not a one-time event but a continuous process. It involves daily surrender, constant reflection, and a deepening relationship with God. As we walk this path, we begin to see the fruits of our new identity in Christ.

The first step in growing our identity in Christ is embracing the fact that we belong to Him. This sense of belonging is foundational to our identity. When we understand that we are children of God, it changes how we see ourselves and how we live our lives. In John 1:12, we are reminded that “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” This verse highlights the importance of receiving and believing in Jesus. When we do, we are given the right to become children of God. This new identity is not based on our actions or achievements but on our relationship with Jesus.

The next step in growing our identity in Christ is seeking a deeper revelation of God’s love. This involves spending time in prayer and reading the Bible, asking God to reveal more of His love to us. In Ephesians 3:18-19, Paul prays that we may “grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ” and to know this love that surpasses knowledge. This revelation of God’s love is not something we can achieve on our own. It is a gift from God, given to us through the Holy Spirit. As we seek this revelation, we begin to understand more of God’s love for us, which in turn shapes our identity.

Growing in our identity in Christ also involves daily surrender. This means asking God to reveal areas in our lives that do not reflect Him and surrendering these areas to Him. Romans 12:2 reminds us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Daily surrender is not always easy. It requires humility and a willingness to let go of our own desires and plans. But as we surrender to God, we allow His love to transform us, shaping our identity to reflect more of Him.

As we grow in our identity in Christ, we are called to reflect Him to others. This means living our lives in a way that shows His love and grace. Just as the Samaritan woman shared her encounter with Jesus, we are called to share our experiences with others. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus says, “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Our lives should be a testimony of God’s love and grace, pointing others to Him.

Growing in our identity in Christ is not something we do alone. It involves being part of a community of believers who support and encourage us. In Ephesians 4:15-16, Paul writes, “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” Being part of a community helps us grow in our identity in Christ. It provides a space for us to learn, grow, and be held accountable. It also allows us to support and encourage others in their journey of identity transformation.

Here are some practical steps to help you grow in your identity in Christ:

1. Spend Time in Prayer and Bible Study: Make it a priority to spend time in prayer and reading the Bible. Ask God to reveal more of His love to you and to show you areas in your life that need to be surrendered to Him.
2. Join a Community of Believers: Find a church or small group where you can be part of a community of believers. Surround yourself with people who will support and encourage you in your journey of identity transformation.
3. Serve Others: Look for opportunities to serve others and reflect Christ’s love. This could be through volunteering at your church, helping a neighbour, or simply being kind and compassionate to those around you.
4. Practice Gratitude: Take time each day to thank God for His love and for the ways He is working in your life. Practicing gratitude helps us focus on God’s goodness and reminds us of our identity in Him.
5. Seek Accountability: Find someone you trust who can hold you accountable in your journey of identity transformation. This could be a friend, mentor, or pastor. Share your struggles and victories with them and ask for their support and prayers.

One of the most powerful ways to grow in our identity in Christ is through sharing our testimony. When we share our experiences of God’s love and grace, it not only strengthens our faith but also encourages others.

In Revelation 12:11, we read, “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Our testimonies have the power to overcome the enemy and bring glory to God. Sharing our testimony can be as simple as telling a friend about how God has worked in our lives or sharing a story of His faithfulness in a small group. It can also involve writing about our experiences or speaking to a larger audience. Whatever the method, sharing our testimony helps us grow in our identity in Christ and encourages others to do the same.

As we grow in our identity in Christ, we begin to see ourselves as God sees us. We are no longer defined by our past mistakes or failures but by our relationship with Jesus. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Embracing our new identity means letting go of the old and stepping into the new. It means seeing ourselves as children of God, loved and accepted by Him. It also means living our lives in a way that reflects our new identity, showing God’s love and grace to those around us.

Forgiveness is a crucial part of growing in our identity in Christ. It involves forgiving ourselves for past mistakes and forgiving others who have hurt us. In Colossians 3:13, Paul writes, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is essential for our growth and healing. When we forgive, we release the burden of anger and resentment and allow God’s love to fill our hearts. This, in turn, helps us grow in our identity in Christ and reflect His love to others.

As we grow in our identity in Christ, we begin to understand our purpose. God has a unique plan for each of our lives, and discovering this purpose is part of our journey of identity transformation. In Ephesians 2:10, Paul writes, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Living with purpose means using our gifts and talents to serve God and others. It means seeking His guidance in our decisions and trusting Him to lead us on the right path. When we live with purpose, we find fulfilment and joy in our relationship with God and in the work He has called us to do.

Growing in our identity in Christ is not without challenges. We may face doubts, fears, and obstacles along the way. However, it is important to remember that God is with us in every step of our journey. In Isaiah 41:10, we are reminded, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” When we face challenges, we can turn to God for strength and guidance. We can also seek support from our community of believers and rely on the promises of God’s Word. Overcoming challenges helps us grow in our faith and strengthens our identity in Christ.

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in our journey of identity transformation. He is our helper, guide, and comforter. In John 14:26, Jesus says, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” The Holy Spirit helps us understand God’s love and guides us in our daily lives. He convicts us of areas that need to be surrendered to God and empowers us to live out our new identity in Christ. As we rely on the Holy Spirit, we grow in our relationship with God and become more like Jesus.

As we grow in our identity in Christ, it is important to celebrate our progress. Recognising and celebrating our growth helps us stay motivated and encouraged. It also reminds us of God’s faithfulness and the work He is doing in our lives. Take time to reflect on your journey and celebrate the milestones along the way. Share your victories with others and give thanks to God for His love and grace. Celebrating growth helps us stay focused on our identity in Christ and encourages us to continue growing.

Our identity in Christ is a journey of belonging, revelation, and transformation. As we embrace our place in God’s family and seek a deeper understanding of His love, we become more like Him. Let us continually surrender to His work in our lives, allowing His love to shape us into His image. Remember, you are a child of God, and your identity is secure in Him.

Growing in our identity in Christ involves daily surrender, seeking revelation, and reflecting His love to others. It also involves being part of a community of believers, sharing our testimony, and living with purpose. As we face challenges and rely on the Holy Spirit, we grow in our relationship with God and become more like Jesus.

Let us celebrate our growth and give thanks to God for His faithfulness. May we continue to seek His love and allow it to transform us from the inside out. Our identity in Christ is a beautiful journey, and as we walk this path, we find fulfilment, joy, and purpose in Him.