When You are Given a False Name

Have you ever been labeled a name that wasn't true? Maybe someone called you a liar or accused you of being really fake?  Maybe someone said you weren't worthy of their love, or they called you "unsafe". It hurts to be labeled something that isn't true. It's extra painful when there is gossip involved. Your name and character get dragged through the mud and you are powerless to stop it. Sometimes defending yourself only makes you look more guilty but on the other hand, taking the high road and not saying anything might make you look weak. What do you do??

Jesus knows exactly what this feels like. The experience leading up to His crucifixion was everything you've experienced AND WAY MORE.  So just remember this: you are not alone and He knows how you feel. He loves you and values you more than you could ever realize and He wants to walk you through this.

Whether it feels like it or not, He has a purpose for what you are going through. Just like there was a purpose for what He had to go through.

Sometimes He allows people to come against you because He wants to teach you some things. Things like: how to rely completely on Him, how to love and pray for your enemies, and how to get strength and clarity from Him so that you can help another friend when they go through something similar. The biggest lesson of all however, is learning how to place ALL of your value in Him, and Him alone.  So that no matter what anyone says about you, you know your place with Jesus. Check out this verse: And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God's glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Romans 8:17 (NLT)

I could not have said that better. We are heirs with Christ! We get to inherit what He is inheriting. Our inheritance is waiting in heaven. Eternity spent with God…there is nothing greater! But if we get to share His glory, then we must also share his suffering. And that's what is happening when people are mean or cruel to us.

But every trial we face has a purpose. I have found that seeking God for that purpose helps you get through the hurt, and helps your heart to heal much faster.

So the next time people start to slander your name and accuse you of things that you know aren't true, ask the Lord to help you love and forgive them, and ask Him to show you His purposes for this. Abide in Him and His Word and He will comfort you and show you what He is doing. Journal about it so that you never forget what He has taught you and how He was there for you. One verse that helped me through hard times of rejection and accusation was Exodus 14:14. It says, "The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.” (ESV)

The Lord will fight for YOU. Never forget that. You are an heir with Christ, and He will fight for you because He loves you. 

I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (NLT)