Living as God’s Beloved Child: Embrace Your True Identity in Christ
- Erin Schwab
- May 20
- 7 min read
Why Knowing Your Identity in Christ Changes Everything
Many people struggle with identity, feeling pressure to prove their worth through success, relationships, or approval from others. But what if your identity wasn’t something to earn—but something already given to you?
When you truly understand that you are God’s beloved child, it transforms the way you live. You experience confidence, freedom, and peace. You no longer strive for validation because you know you are fully accepted and loved by your Heavenly Father.
Let’s explore the powerful impact of embracing this identity.
1. Confidence in God’s Truth – Like a Child Secure in a Parent’s Love
Imagine a small child running into their father’s arms without hesitation. They don’t question if they are loved; they just know.
This is the kind of confidence God wants for us. The world offers ever-changing definitions of success, but God’s truth never shifts. He calls you His child—chosen and deeply loved (1 John 3:1). When you believe this, you can stand firm in who you are.
2. Courage to Trust – Like a Sailboat Anchored in a Storm
Life often feels like a storm, tossing us in every direction. Without an anchor, we drift aimlessly, unsure of our footing. But knowing you belong to God is like having a strong anchor. No matter how fierce the storm, you can trust that God is working everything for your good (Romans 8:28).
What Happens When You Trust God’s Love?
You stop worrying about the unknown and start resting in His promises.
You make decisions with peace rather than fear.
You move forward with courage, knowing He is in control.
3. Freedom Through Forgiveness
Many people live as though they are still imprisoned by their past mistakes—even though Jesus has unlocked the door. When you truly embrace the forgiveness Christ offers, you step into a life of freedom.
Guilt and shame no longer define you (Ephesians 1:7).
How Forgiveness Frees You to Live Fully
You stop carrying the weight of past failures.
You experience joy and lightness in your heart.
You extend grace to others because you have received grace yourself.
4. Security in God’s Love
God’s love is unwavering. No matter what challenges you face, your worth remains unchanged. His love satisfies the deepest needs of your heart (Romans 8:38-39).
How to Overcome Fear and Walk in Confidence
Meditate on God’s Word daily.
Surround yourself with a faith-based community.
Pray and surrender your worries and yourself to God.
Remember He has promised to be with you.
Ps. 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness for the sake of His name.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
5. Generosity Without Fear
When you trust that God is your provider, you can live with open hands. You don’t have to cling tightly to what you have out of fear. Instead, you can be generous, knowing God sees and meets your needs (2 Corinthians 9:8).
6. Peace in Letting Go – Like Trusting a Just Judge
We often feel the need to make everything fair. But imagine stepping into a courtroom and realizing God is the ultimate Judge. He is only only One who sees the whole picture, and He will bring justice in His perfect timing. He is also the only One with the authority to make the judgment. There's is great peace to be found when you let go of control and trust Him--the One and only righteous judge (Romans 12:19).
Why Letting Go Brings Peace
You stop wasting energy trying to control situations.
You trust God’s wisdom over your own understanding.
You live in peace rather than frustration.
7. Living with Wisdom and Gratitude – Like Looking into a True Mirror
Many people seek validation from social media, success, or the opinions of others. But that’s like staring into a foggy mirror. But mirrors can be deceptive, reflecting only what’s on the surface. When I look into God’s Word, I see the truth of who I really am—His beloved child. I can be a humble learner, making thoughtful choices, walking in wisdom, and responding to life with gratitude. (It has been said that anxiety and gratitude cannot exist in the brain at the same time.)
"Evaluation of our self-worth by what we and what others think of our performance leads us to believe that any time our performance is unacceptable, we are unacceptable as well. To some exent, virtually all of us have internalized the following sentence into our belief system and hold to it with amazing tenacity: I must have acceptance, respect, and approval to have self-worth. This is the basic false belief behind all peer pressure." What should we do when we have failed or when someone disproves of us? Consider this sentence: 'It would be nice if _________, but I'm still deeply loved, completely forgiven, fully pleasing, totally accepted, and complete in Christ." (The Search For Significance, pg 216, 227)
👉 Look into God’s Word—it reflects your true identity as His beloved child. (See Ephesians 1)
How Gratitude Transforms Your Life
You focus on what you have rather than what you lack.
You become more joyful and content.
You strengthen your faith by recognizing God’s blessings.
8. A Heart Set on God’s Glory
Instead of striving for your own recognition, you can shift your focus to glorifying God. This brings true fulfillment and purpose (Colossians 3:17). Consider this definition of love. Love is joyfully self-sacrificing for the eternal good of another and God's glory.
9. Flourishing in Every Season
Like a deeply rooted tree that thrives no matter the weather, you can flourish in every season when your identity is grounded in God’s love. Whether in times of joy, waiting, or hardship, you can walk in peace and purpose.
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. / But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. / He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does. Psalm 1:1-3
Frequently Asked Questions About Identity in Christ
Q: What does it mean to be God’s beloved child?
A: Being God’s beloved child means your worth isn’t based on performance but on His love. You are chosen, accepted, and deeply loved in Christ (Ephesians 1:4-5). It means you have made the decision to accept Jesus Christ sacrifice on the cross as payment for your sin. You have confessed your sin and received God's forgiveness. God has not only forgiven your sin but granted you the righteousness of Christ. You bear Christ's righteousness and are therefore fully pleasing to the Father. (Rom. 5:1) You are totally accepted by God (Col. 1:21-22). Christ's death on the cross satisfied God's wrath and therefore, you are deeply loved by God (1 John 4:9-11). You are regenerated. You are are new creation in Christ. (John 3:3-6)
Q: How can I strengthen my faith in God’s plan for my life?
A: Strengthen your faith by reading scripture, spending time in prayer, and surrounding yourself with a faith-based community. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path." Prov. 3:5-6
Q: How do I live in confidence as a child of God?
A: Living in confidence starts with believing God’s promises, surrendering fear, and walking in faith daily. Base your worth solidly on the truths of God's Word, then behavior will reflect His love, grace and power (instead of basing worth on our abilities or the fickle approval of others, then our behavior will reflect the insecurity, fear, and anger that come from such instability). (Search For Significance, pg 20)
Are You Living in the Freedom of Your True Identity?
What would change in your life if you fully embraced your identity as God’s beloved child? Would you live with more confidence, peace, and trust in His plan?
If you’re ready to step into the freedom and security of knowing who you are in Christ—but feel stuck in fear, doubt, or uncertainty—I’d love to walk alongside you. As a gospel-centered life coach, I help people like you break free from limiting beliefs, deepen their faith, and confidently live out God’s calling.
👉 Sign up for a free discovery session today and start your journey to a life of purpose, peace, and joy. Let’s uncover the abundant life God has for you!
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