The Cross Necklace
by: Ashley Stockard
September 1, 2026
“Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
A simple delay, a profound reminder.
It was supposed to be a quick morning appointment at 9:00 a.m. I arrived a few minutes early, prepared, calm, ready to go. Then 9:00 came and went; 9:15; 9:30.
By 9:45, I started to wonder if she was coming at all. When she finally arrived, she was embarrassed. She had written the wrong date on her calendar but rushed to make it right. I smiled and extended grace; it wasn’t a big deal that day. But I couldn’t help but wonder: What if I had been in a hurry? What if her lateness had cost me something? Would I have reacted the same way?
As I sat waiting earlier, my hand absentmindedly touched the necklace around my neck, a small silver cross I wear almost every day. Right then, it hit me: I’m wearing the cross. Not just a piece of jewelry. A symbol of my faith. A declaration that I represent Jesus Christ wherever I go.
Wearing the cross means representing Christ.
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
That moment challenged me: Do I act like an ambassador of Christ when it’s inconvenient? The truth is, wearing the cross means carrying His name and character into every interaction. It’s easy to be kind when life is calm. It’s harder when life presses in when someone disappoints you, delays you, or misunderstands you. But that’s where true representation happens. We don’t just wear the cross around our necks; we wear it in our responses, our tone, our attitude, and our grace.
Becoming More Like Him
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20).
Every day, we’re called to live out what the cross means—mercy, forgiveness, humility, and love. This process is called sanctification, being continually shaped into the image of Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the Master, ready for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21).
We won’t get it right every time, but every time we fall, the cross reminds us that His grace still covers us.
The Power of Grace
Later that day, I thought about the woman who had been late. What if she had been exhausted, overwhelmed, or carrying a quiet pain no one saw? My response could have either reflected Christ’s compassion or misrepresented Him completely.
“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24).
To take up the cross means death to pride, impatience, and judgment. It means choosing grace because He chose grace for us first.
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
We wear the cross not to prove our perfection, but to reflect His redemption.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the cross, thank you for taking my place on the cross and giving me a new life. Teach me to represent You with humility and grace. Help me to respond with love even when it’s difficult. Let others see Your heart reflected in mine. Today, I choose to wear Your name with honor. Amen.
Worship: Blood of Christ
Reflection Questions
What does it mean to you to be an ambassador for Christ?
How does your behavior represent Christ in your daily interactions?
What practical ways can you show grace, patience, or love this week?
Read Psalm 139:23–24. How can this prayer help you stay aligned with God’s heart?
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As I sat waiting earlier, my hand absentmindedly touched the necklace around my neck, a small silver cross I wear almost every day. Right then, it hit me: I’m wearing the cross. Not just a piece of jewelry. A symbol of my faith. A declaration that I represent Jesus Christ wherever I go.