I love names. I love learning new names, finding out the meanings of names, putting together first and middle names. I have lists of boy names, girl names, names that are also places (e.g., Houston), color names that can be people names (e.g., Scarlet), etc.
Maybe it’s because I’m a writer, and I have to have names for characters. Maybe I’m preparing for the day when I have to name my children. (Relax, it’ll be awhile before then. š) Maybe I’m just weird.
But names are important.
Names give individuality to people. Could you imagine if we were all called “Boy” or “Girl”, or had a number instead of a name. “72836! It’s so good to see you!”
Names were chosen for us. Our parents chose a name for us. They thought about it, looked through books or websites, stuck different names together trying to find one that sounded right, maybe sifted through the meanings. . . And when we were born, they held us in their arms and called us by name.
Being called by name feels good. When someone calls someone else by name, it often means (1) they know them, (2) they care about them enough to remember their name, and (3) they see them as a person, as someone important, not just a statistic or face in the crowd or whatever.
People often give each other nicknames. To me, nicknames mean you’re comfortable with the other person. You know them, you’re good friends with them, etc.
And names can give you an insight into who the person is, what they’re like. Well, maybe not really with us humans. But with God? Totally.
God has so many names, is called so many things; and we can even make up our own names for Him! And each name gives us a look into who He is, what He’s like.
He’s the Father. He’s the Lion of Judah. He’s the Lamb. Everlasting God. Almighty. Conqueror. Heart-healer. Comforter. Creator. Redeemer. Savior. King of kings, Lord of lords. Friend. Light of the world. Truth-teacher. Living Water.
On and on and on we could go.
Names are important. And I love them. š
…I have called thee by thy name…
Isaiah 43:1 (KJV)
P.S. Let’s talk about names. š What’s the meaning of your name? What’s a nickname of yours, and how’d you get it (if there’s a reason behind it)? What’s a name of God you like, and what does it mean to you?
I think my favorite name of God is ‘Abba’. Father. But it gives the idea of a daddy. Not to diminish God in any way, or bring Him down to our level; He is Sovereign. BUT, since I’ve become a daddy, I understand so much better God’s love for us as His children. God is not just waiting for us to mess up so He can punish us, or disown us! God LOVES to see us happy, healthy, and full of joy. He LOVES to bless us with good things. It hurts Him immensely when we turn our backs and… Read more »
Oh, and my name means “gift of God.” That’s a lofty title to live up to, but whenever someone calls my name, it’s a reminder that God wants to use me to bless others.
It’s a good reminder though! š
My name means “youthful” but I’ve never really thought of how I could “live up to” it. Maybe by remaining young at heart? Supposedly it also means “changeable.” That’s encouraging AND challenging to me! š
Amen! I too love the name Abba. But when I use it, I usually do Abba God because He is my Daddy but He’s also God.
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