Unashamed to Bear His Name
02/13/2026
“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”
— 1 Peter 4:16 (NIV)
There is something powerful about a name.
When my wife Caryn and I named our daughters, we didn’t just pick something that sounded good. We prayed. We considered meaning. We thought about legacy. A name carries identity. It carries belonging. It carries purpose.
Peter writes to believers who were experiencing real pressure, rejection, misunderstanding, even persecution. And right in the middle of that hardship he says, “If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed.”
The word “Christian” was originally used as a label, almost a jab, meaning “little Christ.” It wasn’t first meant as a compliment. It was meant to mock. But Peter flips it. He says, if you’re going to suffer for anything, let it be for bearing His name. And don’t hang your head. Lift it. Praise God.
That’s a word for us.
Most of us are not facing physical persecution. But we do face cultural pressure. There’s pressure to soften conviction. Pressure to stay silent about truth. Pressure to blend in. Maybe it’s in the boardroom when ethical lines are blurred. Maybe it’s in a family setting when faith feels inconvenient. Maybe it’s online, where biblical conviction can draw criticism quickly.
And in those moments, the temptation is subtle shame. Not denial, just quiet distance. A lowering of the volume. A reluctance to be identified too clearly.
Peter says don’t do that.
If you suffer because you are arrogant, harsh, or unkind, that’s on you. But if you suffer because you live and speak like Jesus? Don’t be ashamed. Praise God that you bear that name.
I remember most of the difficult seasons in my life, especially during moments of crisis. The diagnosis of my mother’s cancer, the quickness of her death. I stood firm on my biblical conviction that healing comes either on this earth, or in the new body given in heaven. This belief, this conviction came with misunderstanding. Not everyone applauded. Not everyone agreed. And yet, for me, in those moments there was a deep settled peace. Because when you know you’re standing with Christ, and you believe what His word says, even criticism can’t steal your identity.
The world may use the name “Christian” lightly. But heaven takes it seriously.
You bear His name.
That means when you walk into a room, you represent Him. When you respond to conflict, you represent Him. When you endure hardship with grace, you represent Him.
And Peter says that is not something to shrink from. That is something to praise God for.
Today, remember this: you don’t just believe in Christ. You belong to Him. His name is written over your life.
So wear it well.
Action Steps:
• Identify one environment where you tend to downplay your faith. Pray for boldness and humility there.
• Examine your reactions — are they reflecting Christ or reacting to pressure?
• Thank God specifically for the privilege of belonging to Jesus.
• Encourage other believers who may feel isolated in their faith.
Today’s Challenge:
When the opportunity arises to be clearly identified with Jesus, don’t shrink back. Stand firm, speak gently, love boldly, and refuse to be ashamed.
Let’s pray.
Father, thank You that we bear the name of Christ. Forgive us for the moments we have been hesitant or quiet out of fear. Give us courage that is rooted in love, not pride. Help us represent You well in all we do. In our words, our work, and our witness. When pressure comes, steady our hearts. When criticism rises, remind us who we belong to. We praise You that we are called by Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
“However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”
— 1 Peter 4:16 (NIV)
There is something powerful about a name.
When my wife Caryn and I named our daughters, we didn’t just pick something that sounded good. We prayed. We considered meaning. We thought about legacy. A name carries identity. It carries belonging. It carries purpose.
Peter writes to believers who were experiencing real pressure, rejection, misunderstanding, even persecution. And right in the middle of that hardship he says, “If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed.”
The word “Christian” was originally used as a label, almost a jab, meaning “little Christ.” It wasn’t first meant as a compliment. It was meant to mock. But Peter flips it. He says, if you’re going to suffer for anything, let it be for bearing His name. And don’t hang your head. Lift it. Praise God.
That’s a word for us.
Most of us are not facing physical persecution. But we do face cultural pressure. There’s pressure to soften conviction. Pressure to stay silent about truth. Pressure to blend in. Maybe it’s in the boardroom when ethical lines are blurred. Maybe it’s in a family setting when faith feels inconvenient. Maybe it’s online, where biblical conviction can draw criticism quickly.
And in those moments, the temptation is subtle shame. Not denial, just quiet distance. A lowering of the volume. A reluctance to be identified too clearly.
Peter says don’t do that.
If you suffer because you are arrogant, harsh, or unkind, that’s on you. But if you suffer because you live and speak like Jesus? Don’t be ashamed. Praise God that you bear that name.
I remember most of the difficult seasons in my life, especially during moments of crisis. The diagnosis of my mother’s cancer, the quickness of her death. I stood firm on my biblical conviction that healing comes either on this earth, or in the new body given in heaven. This belief, this conviction came with misunderstanding. Not everyone applauded. Not everyone agreed. And yet, for me, in those moments there was a deep settled peace. Because when you know you’re standing with Christ, and you believe what His word says, even criticism can’t steal your identity.
The world may use the name “Christian” lightly. But heaven takes it seriously.
You bear His name.
That means when you walk into a room, you represent Him. When you respond to conflict, you represent Him. When you endure hardship with grace, you represent Him.
And Peter says that is not something to shrink from. That is something to praise God for.
Today, remember this: you don’t just believe in Christ. You belong to Him. His name is written over your life.
So wear it well.
Action Steps:
• Identify one environment where you tend to downplay your faith. Pray for boldness and humility there.
• Examine your reactions — are they reflecting Christ or reacting to pressure?
• Thank God specifically for the privilege of belonging to Jesus.
• Encourage other believers who may feel isolated in their faith.
Today’s Challenge:
When the opportunity arises to be clearly identified with Jesus, don’t shrink back. Stand firm, speak gently, love boldly, and refuse to be ashamed.
Let’s pray.
Father, thank You that we bear the name of Christ. Forgive us for the moments we have been hesitant or quiet out of fear. Give us courage that is rooted in love, not pride. Help us represent You well in all we do. In our words, our work, and our witness. When pressure comes, steady our hearts. When criticism rises, remind us who we belong to. We praise You that we are called by Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
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