You Are Known

“When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said, ‘Now here comes a true son of Israel—an honest man of genuine integrity’” (John 1:47).

Your heart is known.

When that revelation hits you, it can be disturbing, even frightening at first, because you know what you’re really like—all you’ve thought, said, and done. You realize how much the fears of failure, loss, and rejection have been repressing your true self.

You’re so afraid of being unacceptable for who you are that you bury yourself. You suppress your own identity and project an image of who you think others expect you to be. It’s exhausting. Instead of making relationships easier, it creates more frustration, insecurity, and conflict.

But then Jesus speaks to your heart—not to condemn it, but to encourage it. As his love becomes real for you again, it becomes clear: if your heart is known, you don’t have to conceal it anymore.

Your heart is known. Be glad! You’re free from having to hide and carry your sins, failures, and mistakes. Jesus knows them all, and wants to take that burden from you.

Your heart is known. You never have to hide who you are, because you’ve asked God to renew your life. You are a masterpiece in progress.

Your heart is known. And you are wanted. God loves who you are—the real you, and the you he sees you becoming.

“Nathanael was stunned, and said, ‘But you’ve never met me—how do you know anything about me?’

Jesus answered, ‘Nathanael, before Philip found you, I could see you with my heart, sitting under the shade of a fig tree.’

Nathanael blurted out, ‘Teacher, you are truly the Son of God. You are the King of Israel!’

Jesus answered, “Have you become a believer simply because I saw you sitting under a fig tree? I promise you’ll experience far greater things than this!’” (John 1:48-50).