He Is, So I Am

In a world that often measures our value by external standards, it's easy to struggle with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. We may find ourselves caught between two extremes – either inflating our self-worth to compensate for deep-seated insecurities or battling an overwhelming sense of unworthiness. But what if there was a different way to view ourselves? What if our true identity and value came not from within or from others, but from a higher source?

The good news of the gospel offers us exactly that – a radically different perspective on our worth and identity. It's a message that has the power to transform how we see ourselves and our place in the world. Let's explore this transformative truth through the lens of a simple yet profound statement: "He is, so I am."

The Universal Reach of the Gospel

The apostle Paul, writing to the Romans, reminds us that the gospel message has gone out to all the world. "Faith comes by hearing," he says, but the challenge isn't that people haven't heard – it's that many haven't believed or obeyed. This was true of Israel in Paul's time, and it remains true for many today.

But here's the beautiful twist – Israel's rejection of the gospel opened the door for the Gentiles, for all of us who aren't of Jewish descent, to be included in God's family. As Paul puts it, "Now if their transgression is riches for the world and their failure is riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillment be!" (Romans 11:12)

This inclusion of the Gentiles is powerfully illustrated in Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman. By choosing to travel through Samaria – a place most Jews avoided – Jesus demonstrated His willingness to reach out to those considered unworthy or unclean by religious standards.

The "He Is, So I Am" Revolution

This brings us to the heart of our message – the transformative power of understanding who God is and how that defines who we are. Let's explore this through several powerful truths:

1. He is Willing, So I Am Saved
God's love isn't limited by our worthiness or qualifications. As Paul reminds us in Romans 5:8, "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." No matter our past, our failures, or our perceived unworthiness, God is willing to save us. Therefore, we can be saved.

2. He is Merciful, So I Am Forgiven
The blood of Christ has the power to wash away all sin, breaking its hold on our lives. As Peter writes, "Knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ." (1 Peter 1:18-19) Because God is merciful, we can experience true forgiveness.

3. He is Full of Grace, So I Am Accepted
Through Christ, we're not just forgiven – we're adopted into God's family. Paul tells us in Ephesians 1:5-6, "He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved." God's grace means we're fully accepted, not as servants, but as beloved children.

4. He is All Powerful, So I Am Free
Christ's resurrection wasn't just a personal victory – it was a cosmic triumph over sin, death, and all the powers that seek to enslave us. As Jesus Himself declared, "If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36) His power means our freedom is assured.

5. He is Righteous, So I Am Righteous
In Christ, we receive a righteousness that isn't our own. It's not about our perfection, but His perfection credited to our account.

6. He is Light, So I Am No Longer in Darkness
The presence of Christ in our lives dispels the darkness of sin, ignorance, and despair. We're called to walk in His light.

7. He is Alive, So I Am Alive in Him
Paul's words to the Thessalonians and Corinthians remind us that our hope isn't limited to this life. Because Christ is risen, we too will be raised to eternal life with Him.

Living in the "So I Am" Reality

Understanding these truths is one thing; living them out is another. How do we make this "He is, so I am" perspective a daily reality?

1. Confront Your Doubts: Speak truth to every fear and insecurity. Remind yourself, "He is the truth, so I am free!"

2. Embrace Your New Identity: Let go of old labels and limitations. In Christ, you're a new creation.

3. Live from Acceptance, Not for Acceptance: You don't have to earn God's love or approval. Live from the security of already being fully accepted.

4. Extend Grace to Others: As you've received mercy and grace, offer the same to those around you.

5. Walk in Freedom: Don't let past failures or current struggles define you. Christ's power is available to help you live in true freedom.

A Personal Invitation

Perhaps you find yourself in your own personal "Samaria" today – a place of isolation, shame, or hopelessness. Maybe you feel unworthy of God's love or too far gone for His grace. Remember the good news: He is willing to come to your Samaria. He does love you, so you are loved.

The invitation is open to all. Come to Him, just as you are. Let Him give you the water of life – eternal life found only in Jesus Christ. For in Him, we discover our true identity and worth. He is, so you are. This is the transformative power of the gospel, available to all who will receive it.

Will you embrace this truth today? Will you let His "is" define your "am"? The choice is yours, and the invitation is always open.