Do you struggle with labels, whether from others or yourself? You’re not alone.
Many people, even Christian women, find themselves caught in the trap of labeling their actions, their mistakes, and often their entire identity based on one incident or failure. This cognitive distortion, called Labeling, can have a profound impact on our emotional well-being and spiritual health.
In today’s post, we’re diving deep into what labeling is, how it affects your mental and emotional life, and how you can renew your mind with the truth of God’s Word.
If you’re tired of feeling trapped by negative labels and looking for freedom, keep reading.
What is Labeling?
Labeling is a common cognitive distortion in which we assign a generalized, often negative label to ourselves or others based on a single event, behavior, or characteristic. For instance, after a setback, you may find yourself thinking, “I’m a failure” or “I’ll never get it right.” These labels are broad, absolute, and rarely based on truth or reality.
Some examples of labeling include:
- Self-labeling: "I’m stupid," "I’ll never succeed," “I’m helpless,” ”I’m unlovable."
- Labeling others: "She’s a brat," "He’s selfish," "They’ll never amount to anything."
These labels are often a result of one isolated incident or misstep and may have little to do with the truth of the situation. But when we believe these labels, they can shape our actions, emotions, and even our spiritual walk.
Why Labeling Matters Spiritually
As Christians, we are reminded in Proverbs 18:21 that “the power of life and death is in the tongue.” The words we speak over ourselves shape how we view the world and our identity. When we label ourselves negatively, we begin to believe those labels, and they start to influence our behaviors and relationships.
Romans 12:2 reminds us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind”—and that begins with changing the labels we’ve accepted and replacing them with the truth of who God says we are.
If we continue to label ourselves (or others) with negative words, we will not experience the peace and freedom Jesus died to give us. Instead, we may find ourselves in a cycle of anxiety, shame, and self-doubt. But when we choose to no longer believe the label (lie) and replace lies with truth, we start living in alignment with our true identity…who God says we are in His word.
How Labeling Affects Your Mental Health
One of the most damaging aspects of labeling is the self-fulfilling prophecy. When we label ourselves negatively or receive a negative label from others, it often leads us to act in ways that reinforce that label. For example:
- The child labeled as “lazy” may adopt that label as part of their identity, leading them to act in ways that support the belief that they are, indeed, lazy.
- The woman who believes she is “unlovable” may subconsciously push people away, reinforcing the idea that no one will ever truly love her.
This kind of thinking can trap us in cycles of self-doubt, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion. Negative self-talk and labels distort how we see ourselves, creating barriers to emotional healing and growth.
How to Break Free from Labels
The good news is that freedom is possible! By challenging these negative labels, we can start to see ourselves and others through the lens of truth.
Here are three steps to help you break free from the power of labels:
- Identify the Label - Start by identifying the negative label you’ve been using. Whether it’s calling yourself “lazy,” “incompetent,” or “unworthy,” recognize that this label does not reflect your true identity in Christ. It’s just a thought, not the truth.
- Challenge the Label - Ask yourself, “Is this label really true? Are there exceptions to this belief? What would a close friend or trusted mentor say about me?” Often, these labels are based on one isolated incident, not your true character.
- Replace the Label with Truth - Replace the lie with truth from God’s Word. If you’ve labeled yourself “unlovable,” speak out the truth that God loves you unconditionally (Romans 8:39). If you’ve called yourself a failure, remember that God’s grace covers your mistakes, and you are more than a conqueror in Christ (Romans 8:37).
Scripture to Help You Replace Labels with Truth
When you’re tempted to believe a negative label, remind yourself of these powerful truths:
- Proverbs 12:18 – “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
- Ephesians 4:29 – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.”
- Proverbs 18:21 - "The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit."
- Romans 8:37 – “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Freedom from Labels: A Prayer for Healing
If you’re struggling with negative labels, here’s a simple prayer to help you release them and embrace God’s truth:
“Father, I confess that I’ve allowed negative labels to shape how I see myself. I recognize that these labels are not from You. I choose to break agreement with these lies (list the labels/lies specifically) and ask for Your truth to replace them. Help me to see myself as You see me—loved, redeemed, and worthy of Your grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.”
Take the Next Step: Embrace Your True Identity in Christ
Breaking free from labeling isn’t easy, but with God’s help, it’s absolutely possible. Start today by identifying any labels you’ve been holding onto and choosing to replace them with God’s truth. If you need help navigating these thought patterns, a Christian counselor can support you in this journey of emotional and spiritual healing.
If this post resonated with you, subscribe to my podcast, Becoming Unhindered, for more practical steps on breaking free from cognitive distortions, embracing your true identity in Christ, and living in the freedom God intended for you!