I Can’t Handle This... Label
Leader Guide
No matter if they were hurtful (“good-for-nothing”) or exaggerated (“Hey, Princess!”), the labels attributed to us can affect our lives. We live up to them. We see ourselves as our worst critics see us, or we become entitled—just as doting adults taught us to be. The way to break free of labels and live up to God’s best for us is to look to Him for our worth. What does He say about you? Once you know, you can be confident in that identity.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. What were you “labeled” as a child? A tomboy, a dreamer, shy, etc.? What did you think of yourself in that same time period?
Leader Note: Sometimes we are very aware of the labels we are given, such as failure, shy, smart, or unfit. At other times, we are oblivious, thinking of ourselves as princesses or astronauts when others may or may not see beauty or ability. Ask your group if the labels they were “assigned” built them up or tore down their confidence.
2. Move On. Read 1 Samuel 17:28-30. Why was Eliab so easily angered by David? Where do you act the “Eliab” to someone? How was David’s response the right one? How do you handle it when someone criticizes you unfairly? How could Proverbs 26:4 and 19:11 guide you in similar circumstances? The real question is, “What does God think of me?”
Leader Note: Jealousy and insecurity make us angry “for no reason.” We can think the worst of someone who has hurt us, who has more than we do, or who seems to be prospering ahead of us. David answered briefly but did not really engage or argue back. Eliab was speaking lies. David didn’t even defend with the truth that he was running an errand, obedient, not a curious bystander. The proverbs tell us not to get drawn into foolish arguments and stress it is better to overlook an offense and move on! Even Jesus was criticized and rejected. You can handle it, also, with God’s approval.
3. Destroy labels with actions, not words. Read 1 Samuel 16:12-13 and 17:33-36. What happened the first time we read about David in the Scriptures? What do we know and what can we infer happened over the next few years? What do you feel was David’s attitude between these two passages? How does 1 Samuel 17:12-15, 17-18 prove or disprove your suppositions? David used his past actions to make his case to Saul. How can you use your actions to destroy labels?
Leader Note: When David was anointed, the Spirit came upon him in power. It helped him accomplish all the mighty feats he told Saul. He obviously did not sit around feeling entitled! He was obedient, even though he was a future king. He kept doing the work of a shepherd and even as an errand boy for his father. Yet, when he felt called to action, he didn’t just talk and boast. He used his actions and experiences to convince the king of his confidence in God and in God’s ability to use him. To destroy labels, let your actions speak: Lazy = hard work; know-it all = be quick to listen and apologize; failure = show resilience and persistence; old = keep being passionate; young = seek and speak wisdom. Win people with your actions and love.
4. God’s label is what matters. Read 1 Samuel 17:43-52. When up against one of the biggest battles in his young life, what was David told? Have you ever experienced such derision and condescension as you prepared to take on a big mission? Where does David’s complete confidence come from? How can you learn this type of ‘God-confidence’? Do you care more about others’ opinions or what God thinks of you?
Leader Note: Too young, too weak, a nobody: We’ve all heard such stuff. God has said we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37) and that His power shows up perfectly in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). He has promised never to leave us and not to be afraid of the enemy (Deuteronomy 31:6).
5. Action Step: Read 1 Samuel 16:7. This message is for us: to not accept the labels of others, but of God. Where have you accepted labels that you need to throw off and move on from? It also reminds us not to label others as anything other than “child of God.” Where have you applied labels you need to repent of, and maybe even ask forgiveness? With whom have you been less than encouraging, empowering, and uplifting?
Deeper
Leader: This section is designed for further use in your Life Group or for personal study. These can also be used as discussion points and ways to stay connected with your group throughout the week. Encourage your group to take time daily to walk through these questions.
6. There are so many hurtful labels: Airhead, Failure, Unworthy, Insignificant, Unqualified, Shy, Ditz, Dirty, Clumsy, Flighty, Sneaky, Lazy. And there are so many more that cannot even be written, they are so foul and hurtful. No matter what you have been told or called, God has some labels for you! Check out each passage below and discover God’s label for you. Memorize any that particularly speaks to your heart.
God calls you _________________. (Colossians 3:12) LN: beloved
He calls you _________________. (Ephesians 1:4) LN: chosen
He calls you _________________. (John 1:12) LN: His child
He calls you _________________. (Titus 2:14) LN: redeemed
He calls you _________________. (Ephesians 2:4-5) LN: alive
He calls you _________________. (Ephesians 2:10) LN: His handiwork
He calls you _________________. (Romans 8:17) LN: heir
He calls you _________________. (2 Corinthians 5:17) LN: a new creation
He calls you _________________. (John 15:15) LN: a friend
He calls you _________________. (Romans 3:24) LN: justified
He calls you _________________. (2 Corinthians 5:21) LN: His righteousness
He calls you _________________. (Colossians 3:13) LN: forgiven
He calls you _________________. (Galatians 5:1) LN: free