Scripture:

2 Corinthians 5:17

Devotional:

The moment the Holy Spirit begins His work in you, everything shifts. Not on the outside, necessarily—but in who you are. You become something new. Not improved. New.

But here’s the challenge: the world—and even your own inner critic—loves to remind you of who you used to be. Old habits. Old reactions. Old labels. And it’s easy to slip into those identities out of habit or comfort.

But regeneration means your identity isn’t based on your past, your performance, or your pain. It’s rooted in what God says about you now. You’re not who you were. So the question becomes: will you live like it?

Questions:

1. What “old version” of myself am I still believing is the real me?

2. When I mess up, do I let shame define me, or do I return to who God says I am?

3. What lies about my identity do I need to unlearn?

Action Step:

Write a list with two columns: “Who I Used to Be” and “Who I Am Now (in Christ).” On the left, list words or labels you’ve believed about yourself in the past—things rooted in shame, fear, or your old way of living. On the right, write what God says is true about you now as someone made new in Him—loved, chosen, free, etc. When you’re done, tear the list in half, throw away the left side. Keep the right side somewhere visible this week as a reminder of who you truly are.

Prayer:

God, thank You for not holding me to who I used to be. When I forget, remind me who I am in You. Teach me to live from my new identity—not my old patterns.