Living From a False Identity
Jamie Winship teaches that many people live from a false identity. This false self forms from fear, shame, trauma, or lies we’ve believed. Thoughts like “I’m a failure” or “I’m unlovable” shape how we live. Winship says God invites us to exchange this false identity for the true one He designed. When you walk in your true identity, you live free from fear and full of peace, purpose, and creativity.
Jamie Winship’s Process to Find Identity
1. Recognize Your False Identity
Pay attention to the lies you believe. Look at your fears, shame, or negative patterns. Common signs include constant comparison, self-protection, or self-promotion. Name the false identity out loud. Example: “I believe I’m not good enough.”
2. Confess and Surrender the Lies
Bring the false identity to God. In prayer, say the lies you’ve been carrying. Example: “Lord, I have believed I’m a disappointment.” Confession brings the lie into the light. This step clears space for God’s truth.
3. Ask God for His Perspective
Ask God directly: “Father, who do You say I am?” Wait quietly. Pay attention to a thought, phrase, picture, or scripture that comes. Write it down. Trust that God, who is love, will affirm your true self.
4. Receive and Believe His Voice
Accept what God says, even if it feels bigger than you. Many in the Bible argued with God when He told them who they were. Trust His word over your feelings. Example: When Gideon felt weak, God called him a “mighty warrior.”
5. Walk Out Your True Identity
Live each day in line with who God says you are. If He calls you an encourager, encourage people. If He calls you His child, rest in His love. Your true identity is your gift to the world. As you live it, fear and false patterns lose power.
Biblical Foundations
Created With Purpose
God made you on purpose. Psalm 139 says He knit you together. Jeremiah 1:5 says God knew you before you were born. Ephesians 2:10 calls you His workmanship, created for good works.
New Names in Scripture
God often gives new names that match identity and calling. Abram became Abraham. Jacob became Israel. Simon became Peter. Even when people doubted, God spoke to their true selves.
New Identity in Christ
Faith in Jesus makes you a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). You are adopted as God’s child (1 John 3:1). Scripture says you are chosen, loved, and part of God’s family. You put off the old self and put on the new (Ephesians 4:22–24).
Freedom From Fear
The Bible’s most repeated command is “Do not be afraid.” God gives power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). His perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18). Living in your true identity means living fearless.
How to Start Today
- Set aside quiet time with God.
- Be honest about false beliefs you’ve held.
- Ask Him who He says you are.
- Write down His answer.
- Choose daily to live from that truth.
When you know who you are in God’s eyes, you live with peace, boldness, and love. As Jamie Winship says, “Speak to love, and He will show you the truth of who you are.”