Our Identity

“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.”
Luke 6:35-36 (MSG)

Most people today like to identify with some thing or some organization. It might be a political party or soccer team, or it might be the latest fashion in some favourite magazine. Whatever it is, people like to belong.

Back in Bible times, the nation Israel was no different. Instead of identifying with their God who had blessed them so richly, they backslid into the worship of pagan gods.  The true God, through the prophet Isaiah in chapter one writes, “I have nourished and brought up children and they have rebelled against me. The ox knows its owner and the donkey its master’s feeding trough, but Israel does not know, My people do not consider.” Matthew 5:48 says, “You’re kingdom subjects.  Now live like it.  Live out your God-created identity.  Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.”

You need not experience an identity problem in your life. Your identity is firmly fixed in God’s Son, Jesus Christ, and he will never forsake you!

Prayer
Thank you for our identity in Jesus Christ.  Help us to live in it daily.
Amen

Study by John Magowan

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About the Author:
John Magowan is a member of the Pastoral Council at Grace Community Church, Lisburn, Northern Ireland.

Local Congregation:
Grace Communion Lisburn (www.grace-ni.org)
Ballymacbrennan School Hall
129A Saintfield Road
LISBURN BT27 5PG

Meeting Time:
Sunday 11am

Local Congregational Contact:
lisburngracecom@gmail.com
Phone: 07764336760
Email:  bobbeggs@hotmail.com