When They Call You a Stranger in the Church

Finding Your Identity When People Mislablel You

Some moments don’t just bruise the ego-they touch the spirit. Being called
A stranger in the very place where you worship can feel like a quiet wound.
But scripture has already spoken to this experience with clarity, dignity, and
truth. What others call you, and who God says you are, will never be the same
thing.

The Opening: A Moment that Reveals Hearts

There are times when people’s words expose more about their own spiritual
posture than yours. Being labeled a stranger in the church is one of those
moments. It can feel dismissive, disrespectful, or even spiritually aggressive,
but it is not a reflection of your identity.

It is a revelation of theirs.

Section One: You Are Not a Stranger to God

People may misunderstand you, but God has already settled your belonging.

“So now you are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens with
all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.”
-Ephesians 2:19

This is your anchor.
This is your identity.
This is your covering.

No one in a pew, pulpit, or parking lot has the authority to override what God
has declared.

Section Two: When People Mislabel You

Sometimes people project their own discomfort, jealousy, or insecurity onto
others. Sometimes they simply cannot discern the grace on your life.

Scripture reminds us:

“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,”
-Psalm 118:22

Rejection is often a sign of divine selection.
Being mislabeled is often a sign of divine assignment.

Section Three: Christ Welcomes the One Others Push Away

Jesus consistently embraced the ones religious people tried to
exclude.

“Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for
the glory of God.”
-Romans 15:7

If Christ welcomes you, then no one has the authority to unwelcome you.

Section Four: God Sees What People Cannot

People look at labels
God looks at identity.

“The Lord sees not as man sees.”
-Samuel 16:7

They may see you as unfamiliar.
God sees you as chosen.

They may see you as a stranger.
God sees you as His own.

Pull Quote

“Your belonging is not determined by people – it is established
by God.”

Section Five: Stand Firm in Who You Are

You don’t have to defend yourself.
You don’t have to argue.
You don’t have to prove your belonging.

Your identity is rooted in God, not in the approval of people.

“If God is for us, who can be against us?”
-Romans 8:31

Let them talk.
Let them misunderstand.
Let them mislabel.

Your assignment remains untouched.

Conclusion: You Are Not a Stranger -You Are His

Being called a stranger in the church may have felt like an attack,
but spiritually, it was a revelation. It exposed hearts, clarified your
identity, and reminded you that your belonging comes from God
alone.

You are known.
You are seen.
You are Chosen.
You are not a stranger-you are HIs.

Reflection Questions
1. When have you felt
misunderstood or mislabeled in a
spiritual environment?

2. What scripture helps you anchor your
identity when people misjudge you?

3. How can you respond with grace
without shrinking your God-given authority?

4. What does belonging to God’s family mean
to you in this season.

Rev. Debra Stith