Knowing Who’s You Are: Embracing Your Identity in Christ
In the Gospel of John, the disciple Peter never explicitly says, “I’m Christ’s favorite.” Yet, his boldness, his actions, and his willingness to take risks often demonstrate a man deeply rooted in his identity as a follower of Jesus. The confidence Peter exudes doesn’t come from pride or a sense of self-importance. Instead, it comes from knowing Who’s he was.
This distinction between pride and identity is crucial for us as believers. Pride seeks to elevate self. Identity, however, rests in the assurance of belonging. Peter’s actions weren’t about proving his worth; they were about living from a place of security in his relationship with Christ.
Confidence Without Pride
Pride says, Look at me; I’m special because of what I’ve done. Identity says, Look at Jesus; I’m secure because of what He’s done.
Peter’s life illustrates this shift. Yes, there were moments when Peter’s pride got in the way—like when he boasted at the Last Supper that he would never abandon Jesus, only to deny Him three times. But after the resurrection, when Peter encountered the risen Christ, his pride gave way to a deeper understanding of grace and purpose.
In John 21, Jesus restores Peter by asking, “Do you love me?” three times. With each response, Peter isn’t defending himself or his abilities. He’s simply affirming his love for Christ, knowing that his value isn’t found in what he does but in who he belongs to.
Knowing Who’s You Are
When we know Who’s we are, it changes everything.
We serve with humility: We’re no longer striving for approval because we know we’re already loved by God.
We walk in confidence: We’re not defined by our failures or successes; we’re defined by our relationship with Christ.
We live with purpose: Our identity as children of God gives meaning to everything we do, from the mundane to the extraordinary.
This is the heart of Peter’s identity. His confidence wasn’t rooted in his personality or accomplishments. It came from knowing Jesus personally and understanding the depth of His love.
Living From Identity
How would your life look if you embraced this same truth? If your confidence came not from what you do, but from Who’s you are?
You’d take risks for God’s kingdom, knowing that failure doesn’t define you.
You’d love others boldly, knowing that you’re already fully loved by the Father.
You’d rest in God’s promises, free from the pressure to prove your worth.
As believers, we are not called to pride but to identity—an identity rooted in Christ. Like Peter, we can live boldly, knowing that we are chosen, loved, and secure in Him.
So today, let this truth take root in your heart: You are not Christ’s favorite because of what you’ve done; you are Christ’s beloved because of who He is.
When you know Who’s you are, you’ll begin to understand who you are—and that changes everything.