6 Powerful Ways to Overcome Negative Labels and Walk in Your Identity in Christ
Negative labels change the way we see others and ourselves. Read how to overcome labels and walk in your identity in Christ.
Imagine stepping into one of your favorite stores, only to find it draped in red tags signaling its imminent closure.
That sinking feeling of disappointment washed over me when I recently walked into Real, a beloved store where I had spent the past eight years finding treasures.
Now, its doors would soon close forever.
As I wandered through the aisles, each item bore a new, slashed price, their former value now reduced.
This sight stirred something deep within me, reminding me of how often we label not only others but ourselves. We downgrade our worth, adopting mindsets that contradict the uplifting truths of God’s word.
This experience made me reflect on the powerful impact of negative labels. And how to break free from the limitations of labels by developing an intimate relationship with Christ.
Shedding Negative Labels
How can we rediscover our true value and begin shedding negative labels that hold us back?
The world constantly seeks to define us by our past mistakes, societal expectations, or the opinions of others, it can be incredibly challenging to embrace our true identity in Christ.
I grew up with labels that distorted how I saw myself.
I believed that because I grew up in the projects and was abandoned at the age of five by my father, I was not valuable and worthy of love. This hindered my walk with God.
However, the good news is that in Christ, we are given a new identity—one that is rooted in love, grace, and purpose.
“So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”
2 Corinthians 5:16,17 (NLT)
6 Ways to Overcome Negative Labels
Here are six practical steps to help you overcome negative labels and fully embrace your God-given identity.
#1 Understand Your Identity in Christ
The first step in overcoming negative labels is understanding who you are in Christ.
The Bible is filled with affirmations of our identity as believers:
You are God’s workmanship: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10
You are loved and chosen: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession…” 1 Peter 2:9
Meditate on these truths and let them sink into your heart.
Understanding and internalizing your identity in Christ is foundational to overcoming negative labels.
#2 Renew Your Mind with God’s Word
Negative labels often stem from lies that have been spoken over us or internalized through experiences.
Romans 12:2 instructs us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
This renewal happens through immersing ourselves in Scripture. Regularly reading, studying, and memorizing God’s Word helps to replace lies with truth.
-Create a list of verses that affirm your identity in Christ and refer to them often.
-Write scripture on sticky notes, place them where you’ll see them daily, or set reminders on your phone.
-Allow God’s Word to reshape how you see yourself.
#3 Reject and Replace Negative Labels
When negative labels surface, consciously reject them.
Speak out loud if necessary.
If you think, “I am worthless” counter it with “I am valued by God.
“I am fearfully and wonderfully made” Psalm 139:14
It’s crucial to reject these negative thoughts and replace them with the truth of God’s Word.
This active replacement helps to dismantle the power of labels over time.
#4 Surround Yourself with Encouraging Community
The people we surround ourselves with have a significant impact on how we view ourselves.
Seek out a community that encourages and affirms your identity in Christ.
This can be a small group from your church, a Bible study group, or a few close friends who share your faith and values.
The IMPACT Community (Intentional Motivation Practicing Active Christian Truths) is one that I hold dear to my heart.
In Hebrews 10:24-25, we are encouraged to “spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together… but encouraging one another.”
Allow these relationships to be a source of strength and affirmation as you walk in your God-given identity.
#5 Pray for God’s Perspective
Prayer is a powerful tool in aligning our hearts and minds with God’s truth.
Ask God to reveal any negative labels you’ve been carrying and to help you see yourself through His eyes.
Pray for the strength to reject these labels and the wisdom to walk in your true identity.
Remember the promise in James 1:5, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
God is eager to provide you with the insight and strength you need.
#6 Step Out in Faith
Finally, walking in your identity in Christ requires action.
Step out in faith, knowing that you are empowered by the Holy Spirit.
Engage in activities and ministries that align with your God-given talents and passions.
Serve others, share your testimony, and live out your purpose with confidence.
Your Identity in Christ
When you take these steps, you’ll find that the negative labels begin to lose their grip, and your true identity in Christ shines through.
Overcoming negative labels is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of transformation and renewal.
As you understand your identity in Christ, renew your mind with God’s Word, reject and replace negative labels, surround yourself with an encouraging community, pray for God’s perspective, and step out in faith, you will walk in the fullness of who God created you to be.
Embrace your identity in Christ, dear sisters. You are loved, chosen, and equipped for a beautiful purpose.
Let go of the negative labels that no longer serve you and step boldly into the life God has prepared for you.
Author
Lavonda McCullough
Lavonda is the founder of Joyful Journey and hosts the annual RefresHer retreat. She is an author and Christian life coach who has coached countless women to freedom through the discipline of Daily Quiet Time. She is the creator of the Warrior Woman series and a contributor to the devotional Life Changing Stories. To connect with Lavonda visit lavondamccullough.com.
