Labels and Lies

When was the last time you stood face to face with someone who told you you’re not enough?

Not smart enough. Not pretty enough. Not skinny enough. Not rich enough.

It hurts right?

Imagine being the Samaritan woman at the well in John Chapter 4. Married and divorced 5 times, living with a man who was not her husband, forced to get her water alone in the heat of mid-day rather than in the cool morning with the other women of the town. Imagine the labels placed on her:

Slut. Lazy. Stupid. Half-Breed…

But when Jesus stood face to face with her at the well, He reached past these labels, and it changed the trajectory of her life forever.

He does the same for you. Jesus sees all your labels, the names you’ve been called or called yourself. He looks past them all. He looks at you face to face and into your heart and says…

Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us (Hebrews 12:1)

Throw off the labels placed.

Throw off the names of disgrace.

Throw off anything that stands in the way of running your race.

Walk, talk, live, and love in your true identity.

YOU ARE NOT UNFAIRLY JUDGED. YOU ARE WHOLLY LOVED.

This week I’ve given you three questions focused on judging others and yourself. I hope you’ll get alone with Jesus to answer them. Then share your insights with a few friends.

3 CIRCLE QUESTIONS:

Please read John 4:1-43.

1. Think of a time when you were unfairly judged. What happened? How did this make you feel? Did it change anything in your life?

2. Jesus warns, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matthew 7:1-2) How do these words impact you? Who have you judged lately? How can you throw off judgment and replace it with love?

3. Jesus calls ALL who are thirsty to come to Him. He promises LIVING WATER that satisfies our souls. What are you thirsty for? What do you really want for your faith, family, and future? Will you let Jesus be your source, your guide to God’s good plans for you? Ask Him for the next step of faith He’s planned for you.

Remember…Check out our new website. Sign up for an August retreat. And Invite some friends to Join The 3 O’Clock Wake Up Call!

See you next week!