What's in a name?

Amber Kennedy
Feb 3, 2016
4 min read

When I was pregnant with both of our children, and my husband and I were deciding on what to name each of them, we put a lot of thoughtful consideration into their names. Chloe's first name means "a flourishing woman, blooming." Alexander's first name means, "helper, protector and defender of mankind." I believe that names are powerful and often prophetic.

When we look at names in the Bible we can see their significance. Abraham went by the name of Abram, which means "exalted father," but God renamed him Abraham, which means"the father of many nations." God also took Abraham's wife, Sarai, whose name meant "my princess," and changed her name to Sarah, which means "princesses" or "the mother of many nations." Jacob's name means supplanter or trickster, which is a name he lived out as he stole his brother's birthright and blessing, but God changed his name to Israel because he wrestled with Him and prevailed, according to Genesis 32:28. Before Peter became Peter, he was called Simon which means "pebble," but Jesus changed his name to Peter, which means "rock." The Jewish girl Hadassah's name meant righteous and fragrant. Her name was changed to Esther when she became queen of Persia. Esther means "hidden" in Hebrew, and hiding her identity as a Jew was something she had to do, as God placed her in the powerful position of saving her people from annihilation.

Our names hold a lot of significance, when it comes to our identity. There are other names or titles that we are called by or carry that hold significance in our lives as well, like wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, leader, mentor, volunteer, teacher, dreamer, artist, or entrepreneur. Names and titles help to shape who we are or we claim them because we have specific gifts that God has given us and those names help to define our role.

What happens, though, when we are given a name that casts us in a negative light, demeans us or diminishes our self worth? Was there ever a time in your life when you were bullied, abused, belittled or talked down to and called by a name that was unkind? Have you ever been your own worst enemy when it comes to negative self talk? I would presume that all of us have experienced moments in our lives where the names and labels placed on us by others or even by our own selves were hurtful, harmful or damaging to us.

When it comes to our name and our identity, we have to keep at the forefront of our minds who God says that we are. In Psalm 17:8 and Zechariah 2:8, we are called the apple of God's eye. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says we are a new creation in Christ. In 1 Peter 2:9 we are called a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession. Ephesians 2:10

says that we are God's masterpiece. The Bible says that we are children of God, in John 1:12 and Galatians 3:26. Because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, 2 Corinthians 5:21 says we are "the righteousness of God." In John 15:15, Jesus calls us his friends.

We can't allow the negative names and labels spoken over us to remain internalized, and we can't allow our own guilt or condemnation to overtake us when we sin or fall short of who God has called us to be. If we allow ourselves to remain prisoners to negative names that we have been called or hold on to a negative self image, then we won't be able to walk in the freedom that God has for us. John 8:36 says, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

Jesus is the Name above all names and if you have given your life to Him, then He has given you His name to bear with confidence and boldness. Any name that you have been called that doesn't build you up but tears you down, discourages you or brings condemnation is not a name that comes from your Father God who loves you. Jesus came and died for us so that we could bear His Name and walk in freedom from sin and condemnation. Romans 8:1 says, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."

What other people may have said to tear you down, or even what you may have said to yourself that has been discouraging, hold no weight to who God says you are. Today, if you are feeling discouraged, my hope for you is that you will take back possession of your true name, a name that gives you honor, reveals your value and gives you confidence. Take back possession of who God says that you are in Him.

You are a daughter of the Most High God, highly favored, dearly loved and precious in His sight.

Amber Kennedy

She sets such a beautiful example of God's Love and it is an honour and a blessing to have her sharing a word from God's heart, a word inspired by the Holy Spirit and a word we believe that will change and impact your life.