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Theme Verse: “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” — 1 Peter 4:16

The name “Christian” is more than a title—it’s a testimony. It means “little Christ,” a visible follower of the Lord Jesus. In the early church, it wasn’t a term believers gave themselves—it was what others called them because their lives were so clearly patterned after Christ (Acts 11:26). To bear that name is to declare, “I belong to Jesus, and I live for His glory.” It’s a name worth bearing, but in today’s culture, it’s also a name under fire.

Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 4:16 that if we suffer as Christians, we should not be ashamed. Why? Because there is glory in bearing Christ’s name well, even when it costs us something. The world may mock the name. Some will twist it, slander it, or try to associate it with hypocrisy. But the answer isn’t to hide it—it’s to honor it. Let the name “Christian” be reclaimed in the way we live, love, speak, and serve.

When you carry Christ’s name, you carry His reputation. That’s why integrity matters. That’s why humility matters. That’s why holiness matters. We don’t just speak for Christ—we show the world what He’s like. Your family, neighbors, coworkers, and even your enemies are watching. Will they see someone who wears the name but walks in pride, fear, or compromise? Or will they see someone who embodies grace and truth?

To suffer as a Christian is different than suffering because of our own foolishness or sin. If the world opposes us because we are loving, faithful, and courageous witnesses of Christ, then we rejoice. If they oppose us because we are rude, proud, or hypocritical, then we must repent. Let’s be sure the resistance we face is because of the righteousness of our Redeemer, not the recklessness of our behavior.

So today, wear the name well. Don’t shrink from it or apologize for it. Live boldly, love deeply, and represent Christ faithfully. In a world full of confused labels and temporary identities, there is no greater title than “Christian.” It is a name worth bearing—and a life worth living.