“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light“.1 Peter 2:9;

‘My name is Grace, which means “heavenly gift.” I have two brothers who are ill and cannot speak. I am the only one who can talk like everyone else. What is your name, and what does it mean’?

These were the questions of a little girl I met in the kids’ section of Ikea. After I told her my name and its meaning—heroine, derived from the Germanic language—I slowly stood up, leaning against the toy shelves, trying to wipe the tears streaming down my face. Such sincerity and wisdom in such a small child, who not only knew her name but truly lived up to its meaning. She was a genuine blessing to her mother and her two brothers, whom I had the chance to see a little later.

What about me? How many times have I introduced myself using only my first, given name, without embracing its true meaning? Throughout history, many names have originated from words that describe trades, circumstances, places, religious figures, traits, or divine attributes—giving names like Grace the meaning “gift of God.” Our names hold deep significance for our identity, heritage, and purpose. They connect us to our ancestry, language, culture, and traditions. Yet, we can never be certain if the meaning attached to them will fully define us throughout life. Still, we are asked every day, in every situation, “What is your name?” Not just Otilia, Anna, or Jacob—who became Israel, Sarai who became Sarah, or Simon who was renamed Peter. No, because when we are born again, God assigns a new meaning to our earthly names. Just as Jacob wrestled with God and was given a new identity as Israel, so are we transformed. We are children of God, Christians, beloved, faithful, conquerors, ambassadors for Him, salt and light—just to name a few. In the good times and bad, the easy and challenging days, we are reminded that our names—purchased through Christ’s sacrifice—are precious and written in the Book of Life.

In the beloved classic The Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan, the main character is questioned by Watchful, the porter at the Palace Lodge, with inquiries such as “Why are you so afraid?” “Do you still have no faith?” and “Where are you from and where are you going?” Only after answering these does Watchful ask, “What is your name?” Christian replies, “Now, my name is Christian, but originally it was Graceless.” It is as if the porter probes deeper: “Then why are you still so timid? Why so anxious and despondent? Live up to your name, Christian!” The faith embraced in Christ, the renunciation of the City of Destruction, and the pilgrimage to the Celestial City gave Christian—and us today—not only a new name but a new destiny. A Christian is simply a follower of Christ, and as His followers, we have one calling: to reflect His character and imitate His traits. Faithful. Loving. Holy. Children of Light. Elect. Righteous. Humble. Good stewards. Beloved. And much more. If we claim to abide in Him, we ought to walk as He walked (1 John 2:6).

I am confident He will help us live worthy of our names. As we continue to abide in Him, obey Him, recognize our sins and shortcomings, and bring them before Him in prayer, He will transform us more and more into His own image. This is a lifelong journey, but the cost of being molded, pruned, and refined is truly worth it. John Bunyan’s character, Christian, reached the Celestial City through many trials and dangers, always remembering three crucial things Christ did for him on his journey: first, He declared his sins forgiven; second, He stripped him of his old rags and clothed him in an embroidered coat; and third, He marked his forehead and gave him a sealed scroll. This was the secret to his victory. Christ has done the same for us. Just read Ephesians 1 to discover our most beautiful name: Redeemed. Like Grace, let’s live up to our heavenly given name.

“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me”.  (John 15:4)