Identity • Repentance • Acceptance

Written By cory medina

Scriptures:

  • John 13:23 – “One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was reclining at table close to Jesus.”

  • Revelation 1:9 – “I, John… was on the island called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

John the disciple chose to introduce himself as

“the one Jesus loved.”

That identity rooted in relationship, not performance became his anchor through persecution, exile, and vision. What if you began to speak love-based identity over your day, rather than labels rooted in fear or failure?

Facing the Majesty of Jesus

Scripture:

  • Revelation 1:12–17 John describes Jesus with eyes like fire, voice like rushing waters, and a radiant face. Overwhelmed, he falls down as though dead.

Small talk about religion won’t hold up in the light of who Jesus really is. The majesty revealed in Revelation invites us to move from habit to wholehearted awe. It’s not about fear it’s about recognizing something greater and wiser than anything we've faced.

Returning to First Love

Scripture:

  • Revelation 2:1–7 – Jesus says to the church in Ephesus: “I know your deeds… but you have abandoned your first love. Repent… or I will remove your lampstand.”

Ephesus had doctrine, community, and hard work but lost the intimacy. It felt “spiritual,” but Jesus called them back to authentic love. When our hearts grow cold, our influence dims even if everything looks fine on the outside.

Faithfulness Over Flawlessness

Scripture:

  • Revelation 3:7–13 – Jesus addresses the church in Philadelphia He knows their weakness, yet He opens doors no one can shut and promises protection because they remain faithful.

Philadelphians weren’t perfect but they held onto Jesus. Their faithfulness unlocked truth, protection, and prophetic possibility. That’s grace based acceptance inviting action not for the done, but for the committed.

Faithfulness Opens Doors

When we truly grasp our identity, we discover that we are loved by Jesus not earning that love, but rooted in it and it becomes the foundation of everything we are. From that identity flows reverence, which means standing in awe of who He is, not out of tradition but from genuine belief. When our first love begins to fade, repentance is our response not condemnation, but a heartfelt return to what first moved us. And finally, acceptance teaches us that God values faithfulness over performance; it’s not what we’ve accomplished, but our willingness to hold fast that opens doors to His promises.

You are not defined by shame, failure, or expectation. You are shaped by love, revealed by awe, restored by Jesus, and sent with open doors into your purpose. Speak your identity “I am beloved. I will love. I will stand. I will shine.”

Scripture References for Deeper Study

  • John 13:23–25 – Context of John's intimate posture with Jesus

  • Revelation 1:9–17 – John’s first vision of Christ revealed in glory

  • Revelation 2:1–7 – Message to the church of Ephesus, losing love

  • Revelation 3:7–13 – Christ’s promises to the faithful church in Philadelphia

Bonus passages:

  • Romans 5:8 – “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

  • James 1:2–4 – “Trials produce endurance and maturity.”

  • Proverbs 3:5–6 – “Trust the Lord; He will make your paths straight.”

cory medina
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