Who They Say You Is?

Have you ever struggled with how people see you? Have you ever struggled with the identity you had before you knew Jesus, versus who you are now, in Christ?

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

By the grace of God, I am no longer who people say I was. I am who Jesus says I am. My identity is fully, 100 percent, in Christ. Who defines your identity?

I am not what I might be, I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I wish to be, I am not what I hope to be; but I thank God I am not what I once was, and I can say with the great apostle, ‘By the grace of God I am what I am.

John Newton, writer “Amazing Grace”

What Is Grace?

Simply put, grace is the unmerited favor of God. It is what helps us see.

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Ephesians‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭(ESV‬‬)

Grace restores us back into right- standing with God. Sin separates us from that same God. Through Jesus, He made a way for us to return home.

How Do I Get Grace?

Many years ago, sitting in a room of people working through the Twelve Steps, I learned that the first step in solving any problem is admitting that you have one. 

1. Acknowledge Your Need for Grace: The first step to embracing Jesus’ grace is recognizing our own sinfulness and our need for a Savior. Acknowledging your shortcomings allows you to see the beauty and necessity of grace. That’s true for me. It’s true for you. As the Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
2. Believe in Jesus Christ: John 3:16 boldly declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Belief in Jesus as the Son of God, who died and rose again for the forgiveness of our sins, is central to receiving grace. It’s through faith in Him that we are justified and saved.
3. Repent and Turn to God: Repentance is a crucial aspect of embracing grace. Acts 3:19 says, “Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” Repentance involves turning away from sin and turning toward God, seeking His forgiveness and transformation. Without repentance, there is no restoration. So I urge you, repent and turn to Jesus.
4. Receive and Rest in His Grace: Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Understanding that grace is a gift from God, not something we earn, allows us to receive and rest in His grace, trusting in His love and provision.
5. Live a Life Transformed by Grace: Embracing Jesus’ grace means allowing it to transform our lives. Titus 2:11-12 says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” Grace empowers us to live in a way that reflects our relationship with God, influencing our actions, decisions, and interactions with others.
6. Extend Grace to Others: As recipients of divine grace, we are called to extend grace to others. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” By showing grace, forgiveness, and love to those around us, we embody the grace we have received and point others to Jesus.

Embracing the grace that Jesus offers is a lifelong journey of faith, repentance, transformation, and love. It’s about continually coming to Him, growing in our understanding of His grace, and allowing it to shape every aspect of our lives. Through this, we experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises and become vessels of His grace in the world. It’s about living in the reality of His lordship and salvation every day, growing in love and knowledge of Him, and looking forward to the fulfillment of His promises.

I don’t know who they say you is, but who do you say Jesus is? Is He the Lord of your life? Is He your source of grace and salvation? Is He the one you’ve asked to come in and renovate your life?

Abundant blessings—

Make sure and tell somebody about Jesus today!

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™