Who Am I?: Seeing yourself through God's eyes

by Steph Dodge
Overview:  This activity will help your youth understand who they are in God’s eyes.

Materials:

• Picture frames or small mirrors for each participant
• Permanent markers
• Bibles
• Handouts or PowerPoint slides with verses related to how God views us:

1. Ephesians 1:11-12
2. 2 Corinthians 6:18
3. Jeremiah 29:11
4. Galatians 3:26
5. Psalm 103:11-12
6. Song of Solomon 2:10
7. Psalm 91:14-15

Activity:
Ask your youth to think about how they view themselves.  Talk to them about how they might define their identity through their status at school, sports they play, the grades they get, the clothes they wear, etc.  This is also a great time to share a personal story of a time when you placed your identity in something other than Christ. Read some of the verses listed above and talk about how our identity should be rooted in Christ.
Next, handout the mirrors or picture frames to every person and give them each a marker.  Tell them to ask God to show them who they are in God’s eyes and have them write words or ideas directly on the mirrors or frames.  Let them know that the mirrors/frames are theirs to keep so they can be honest and open about what they want to write.  Have Bibles available and also a list of verses they might find helpful.  Put on some music and give them some time to sit and work on it. (“Who Am I” by Casting Crowns is a good choice.)
Let the youth know that there are volunteers available if they want to talk or pray with them.  Have the volunteers spaced throughout the room.
You may want to have a separate place where they can go when they are done so those who want to can work as long as they feel called to without being distracted by others who may not take the activity as seriously.