Scriptures: Galatians 2:20, 2 Corinthians 5:17-18, Romans 8:16-17

Identity – Who am I in Christ?

When you are asked to introduce yourself to a group of strangers – what do you say about yourself? Do you mention your profession first? Do you try to make an impression with your appearance? Perhaps you emphasize what you have achieved, what makes you special – because you want to be seen and want to belong.

I remember the moment our first child was born. We proudly sent a photo to family and friends. But when I looked at the picture, I was overcome with a strange feeling: could this little face really show who our son was? To outsiders, he might have looked like any other newborn. But to us, he was unique. Not because of his looks or his achievements – but because he was our child.

When our daughter was born, we took a family photo. She was tiny in it, but she was surrounded by people who loved her and who gave her support. This picture showed that identity is not created single-handedly. It grows in relationships.

Our identity is more than what we bring with us – more than our body, our character, our talents. It is shaped by our environment, by people who encourage or disappoint us, by words that build us up or hurt us. And when I come to God, he gives me a new identity. Then he calls me: my child. I am part of his family. Loved just as I am – with my strengths, but also with my weaknesses. I am valuable, not because I achieve much, but because he created and redeemed me.

Jesus has freed me from my guilt. He has given everything so that I can be free – free from the pressure of having to prove myself. Free from having to earn my worth. I can let go, breathe, live and be sure that I am always enough in his eyes.

This identity gives me stability when life gets shaky. When I lose my job. When illness strikes. When my reflection no longer matches what the world thinks is beautiful. When I no longer “function”. And even when my earthly life comes to an end – I am still his child. He has placed his spirit in me – as a promise and inner compass. I am no longer alone, I am safe, I am loved, I am a child of the King.

Next Step: Are you living freely and securely in your new identity as God’s child or are you trying to live up to human standards at the same time? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you what it means to be part of God’s family.

Scriptures: Psalms 6:7-8, John 4:6-15, Romans 2:1-2, John 14:6-7

What is true freedom – and how do we find it?

Some of us live in societies that call themselves “free”. We are allowed to vote, say what we think and shape our lives as we see fit. And yet the question remains: how free are we really – internally?

Thinkers of the so-called “critical theory” dealt with this question in the 20th century. In their opinion, our world is shaped by different power relations: Between those who oppress and those who are oppressed. Even where everything seems to be open, people feel overlooked, excluded or constricted.

And it’s true: Sometimes it’s just a sentence like “I don’t feature in this debate at all” that shows that someone doesn’t feel seen. In this case, it is often enough to give the other person’s opinion space and to listen. This makes the debate more diverse, livelier and richer and people who previously felt invisible feel seen.

But what happens when two people have contrasting experiences? When one person says: “This standard is taking away the air I breathe” – and the other answers: “It is precisely this standard that gives me support”? Then it becomes difficult. Freedom quickly turns into a battlefield. And many people ask themselves: is there anything at all that applies to everyone?

The Bible recognizes this inner conflict. It does not take the side of the strong. It also hears the groaning of those who have grown weary of life (cf. Psalm 6:7). But she also tells of those who are marginalized, such as the woman at Jacob’s well, who fears the reproaches of the other villagers because of her sexual morality. In order to avoid these looks and comments, she goes to the well in the midday heat instead of at a time of day when the temperature is more bearable. But then she meets Jesus there and he gives her new life.

But the Bible does not leave us as victims either. It warns against becoming a judge ourselves (Romans 2:1). It shows us: We are all guilty. We are all part of injustice at some point, whether consciously or unconsciously. And we all need salvation.

Jesus is this salvation. He breaks through the system of guilt and counter-guilt. For he is “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Not all of us have been victims in our lives. But each of us was once lost. And the path back to our loving Father begins precisely where we no longer know what to do.

Next Step: Jesus describes himself as the way to the Father. What does this path to the Father via Jesus mean to you when you think about the topic of oppression?

Scriptures: James 2:8-13, John 3:16-17, Galatians 5:14-15, Matthew 5:17-18

God loves you – do you love yourself too?

We like to present ourselves from our best side. Even when we are alone, we prefer to look at what we like about ourselves. We like to ignore the other side – the darker corners of our lives.

But imagine if God was also only interested in this chocolate side. If he only looks at what we present to him, it would have fatal consequences. Because then he would only accept what seems good – and leave what is sinful and separates us from him. He would leave us in this state and the status quo would remain.

The Bible does not make this distinction. It looks at people as a whole. In the letter of James it says: “For whoever keeps the whole law but breaks one commandment has become guilty of the whole law.” (James 2:10). This means that even if I make an effort to increase my good side, the other side remains dominant. The Bible calls people “sinners” because the separation from God – caused by our guilt – affects the whole person, not just their positive sides. Man needs liberation. Not just a part of him, but the whole of him.

And here is the good news: God sees us as a whole – and loves us anyway. That is why he has given everything. He sent his only Son to save us. What we cannot do, Jesus has accomplished for us: He has fulfilled the law. He has overcome our separation. Those who accept this in faith receive eternal life.

Because God sees us with everything – with both our light and our dark side – we are invited to do the same. In Jesus, we also learn to accept our weaknesses, to love ourselves as a whole and to allow him to change us step by step.

When we accept ourselves as a whole in Christ, we become merciful with ourselves. And the wonderful thing is that we then also show mercy to others. This is how Jesus changes us and leads us into the freedom to love our neighbor as ourselves. In this, the whole law is fulfilled.

Next Step: Pray and experience the freedom to look mercifully at your other side. Give Jesus the area in which you want to experience His power to change.

Scriptures: James 3:13-18, Proverbs 11:2-3, Philippians 4:5-6

The wisdom of humility in everyday life

Imagine there was a button you could press – and you would immediately be ten times wiser. Tempting, isn’t it? We want to be able to have our say, have the right answers at hand, find solutions and be admired for our wisdom. But what if true wisdom doesn’t come across as loud, shiny or impressive as we imagine? What if it is quiet, gentle and full of humility

James writes: “Do any of you consider yourselves wise and prudent? Then let this be evident from his whole life, from his kindness and goodness. These are the marks of true wisdom.” (James 3:13). True wisdom is therefore not demonstrated by knowledge, but by a life characterized by goodness, kindness and mercy.

This divine wisdom is different. It seeks peace, is sincere, willing to give in, allows itself to be told something, has compassion for others, is impartial and free from prejudice. At first glance, it seems inconspicuous and yet it is powerful. Because where such wisdom is given space, healing occurs. Relationships are reconciled, community grows.

In contrast to this is the so-called “earthly wisdom” that James describes. It is characterized by envy, strife, jealousy and hypocrisy. It may seem quick-witted, even clever – but it leaves behind division, unrest and mistrust.

Proverbs 11:2 summarizes it like this: “Pride brings shame; a wise man is humble.” And Paul encourages us: “Let all people experience your goodness and kindness. The Lord is coming soon!” (Philippians 4:5). Humility does not mean making yourself small. It means: I know who I am in God’s eyes – and therefore I don’t have to exalt myself.

Humility means: I don’t have to be the loudest, I don’t have to be first. I can let go, let others take the lead and forgive, even if I am right. And this is where true strength lies – and a wisdom that connects heaven and earth.

Next Step: Read through the characteristics of true wisdom. Can you think of a person you can pray for today? Perhaps someone who has impressed you with their kindness or sincerity – or someone who seems to be characterized by envy, conflict or prejudice. If you can’t think of anyone off the top of your head, ask God to show you someone. Then take a moment of silence and say a short prayer.