Introduction
This song is an uplifting, empowering feel-good song which celebrates an individual’s identity. As Christians, we can be sure and certain of our own identity because of what God does for us and in us; this session explores what this means for the young people in the group.
The session
As you begin the session, give out post-it notes and pens. Explain that every day, people try to label us, sometimes positively but often negatively too. Ask: what labels have people tried to put on you?
Position a leader in the middle of the group. Ask the young people to write some of the labels people have given them on the post-it notes, before attaching them to the leader. Encourage the leader to stand still and silent, giving the group freedom to reflect on what they have been called.
Track: More
Play the track, perhaps providing lyrics, if appropriate. As a group, discuss:
- How does this song make you feel?
- Do you agree or disagree with the words of this song?
- Where does your identity come from?
Explain that as Christians, our identity is found in what God has done for us and who he is making us to be. We can enjoy who we are, not because of some ‘feel good about yourself’ ideas but in confidence of who we are in Jesus.
Give out Bibles and encourage the group to look up some of the following passages. With a large number, divide into smaller groups and give each one a different passage before asking them to feed back to the rest of the group: Genesis 1:27; John 1:12; Romans 8; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 1; Colossians 2:6-7.
Help the group to understand the messages in each of these readings and what they say about our identity. Remind everyone that because of all that God has done for us, we can say with confidence that we love who we are. God is still at work within each of us, making us more like him, but he loves us both as we are now, and who we are becoming. Answer any questions, as appropriate.
Refer to the labels that were put on the leader at the start of the session. Explain that because of Jesus, we can tear down the insults as they mean nothing. You may wish to invite your group to do so, perhaps replacing them with some of the more hope-filled words of truth that God speaks over us, encouraging your group to see that this is who they really are.
