One of the surprising aspects of life in Italy has been the number of official documents required to live here. On any given day, we may need our codice fiscale (tax code), our permesso di soggiorno (residence permit), our carta d’identità (identity card), and our patente di guida (drivers’ license). Each of these documents requires a special application process and a lot of waiting. These documents tell something about who we are in the eyes of the Italian state: where we belong, what we are permitted to do, and how long we are allowed to stay.

In many ways, these forms of identification have become a visual reminder of a deeper spiritual truth. The world around us is constantly trying to tell us who we are and to whom we belong through our nationality, our resident status, or our accomplishments. Yet as followers of Jesus, our identity does not come from any document we carry in our wallet.

The apostle Paul reminds us of this in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Our true identity is not rooted in legal status or official recognition, but in belonging to Christ. We are His before we are anything else.

1 Peter 2:9 gives us an additional picture of who we are. Peter writes, “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.” This means that before we are Americans, residents of Italy, or holders of any official documents, we are first and foremost God’s people. We are chosen, set apart, and called to proclaim His light in the world.

Thank you for your partnership. Together, we are sharing the light of Christ here in Italy. Many people come to Italy seeking new identity and a new way of life. It is our privilege to introduce them to the way and hope of Jesus. Please pray that people will be open to the invitation to become part of the family of God. Thank you for partnering with us in this mission and for reminding us, through your prayers and support, that we belong to Christ.