The Wrong Label
Some labels stick.
For Thomas, one of Jesus' twelve disciples, it was "Doubting Thomas." One moment of uncertainty became the title he's been known by for centuries.
But I wonder if we've given him the wrong label.
In John 11, Jesus receives word that His friend Lazarus is sick. Rather than leaving immediately, Jesus waits two more days. When He finally tells the disciples they're going back to Judea, they can't believe it. Just days earlier, the religious leaders had tried to stone Him there.
The disciples saw danger.
Jesus saw purpose.
As the conversation unfolds, it's Thomas who breaks the silence:
"Let us also go, that we may die with him." (John 11:16)
Thomas understood the risk. He knew following Jesus could cost him his life, yet he was willing to go anyway.
That doesn't sound like a man defined by doubt.
Later, after Jesus' resurrection, Thomas struggles to believe until he sees Jesus for himself. That's the moment history remembers. One moment of doubt became his lifelong label.
But maybe Thomas wasn't Doubting Thomas.
Maybe he was Honest Thomas.
As you read through John's Gospel, Thomas consistently speaks what's on his mind. He asks questions when he doesn't understand. He admits when he's struggling. He refuses to fake certainty.
And notice how Jesus responds.
He never shames Thomas for his honesty. Instead, He meets him where he is. He invites Thomas to see His scars, answers his questions, and strengthens his faith.
Thomas's story doesn't end in doubt. It ends with one of the greatest declarations in all of Scripture:
"My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28)
It's a reminder to be careful with labels.
We often define people by one mistake, one failure, or one difficult season. Sometimes we even do it to ourselves.
Jesus doesn't.
He sees the whole story.
So if you've been carrying a label that doesn't reflect who God is shaping you to become, it's time to let it go. Here's where to start:
1. Recognize it.
Identify the label you've accepted that God never gave you.
2. Replace it.
Exchange the lies you've believed for the truth of God's Word.
3. Repeat it.
Remind yourself daily of who you are in Christ until His truth becomes your identity.
Reflection: What label have you been carrying that God never intended you to wear?
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for seeing beyond my failures and my fears. Help me reject labels that don't come from You, and teach me to see others through Your eyes. Give me the courage to be honest with You, trusting that You'll always meet me with grace. Amen.
