Crowned with dignity and God’s favour

Artists provide an imaginary halo, like a shining crown, in the portraits of revered people, spiritual leaders, and even political leaders. But it is just imagination. Nevertheless, God crowns His children, which is true and real. Though invisible, it is realised and experienced by the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Self-esteem Many feel they are inadequate, not valued, rejected, overlooked, marginalised, and hence suffer from low self-esteem. It could be because of a lack of education, wealth, position, power, authority, connections, and even caste. But a child of God need not be oppressed by these psychological pressures. God, by His mercy and love, crowns His children. (Psalm 103:4)

Crown Generally, in almost all cultures, a crown or a turban symbolised the highest honour or dignity, or Favor or authority bestowed upon an individual. Indian kings, emperors, and chieftains wore different kinds of turbans, in different colors, adorned with feathers, pearls, and jewels. In the world, the crowns and turbans may denote an elevated status in the community, but in the Biblical understanding, it means being encircled or enveloped in His love, mercy, and grace.

Steadfast love The term steadfast love, translated from a difficult Hebrew word, hesed, is used over 200 times in the Old Testament. It is not just a feeling. It is an eternal, persistent, unconditional commitment to show kindness, goodness, mercy, loyalty, compassion, and faithfulness. In a spiritual sense, it includes God’s faithfulness in keeping the covenant, even when humans are unfaithful.

Mercy The word used in Hebrew is rachamim, which is rooted in the word for a mother’s womb. In the Bible, it is translated as ‘tender mercies’ or ‘compassion.’ It signifies parental affection, which is deep, comforting, and intimate, resulting in healing and strength.

Spiritual reality Believers are enveloped and embraced in His eternal love, compassion, mercy, and grace that cover and cleanse all flaws and failures, and are crowned as Royal Kings and Priests for His Holy Name. (I Peter 2:9) It is an incomprehensible gift from God.