Are you your worst critic?
If you are like me, when you find yourself weary from the world’s woes, your evil twin suddenly appears boiling over onto the ones you love the most. UGH!
You know you shouldn’t have, but you make a simple mistake by saying something you shouldn’t have said. You act in a wrong and unjust manner, without mercy and grace.
You wonder what happened. Where did that ugliness come from?
May I let you in on a little secret of mine. I know all of you already know this but…
I have rudely come to the deep realization that I can never be perfect. No matter how hard I try, I will fail at some point. I can never be right and full of wisdom all the time!
Therefore, why do I beat myself up when I make a mistake?
I think it is a subtle form of self-hatred, straight from the pit of hell. It is also a spirit of condemnation and a false humility. When I negatively blast myself for my imperfections, I am punishing me for something that my Savior Jesus already paid the price for!
My self-abatement discreetly implies that I can take on that sin and save myself. It may appear like this is a good thing, but really it draws a discreet negative attention to me. It is a warped form of self-seeking, and a refusal to acknowledge the righteousness and perfection of Christ.
But He has already forgiven me, and all I need to do is repent, and start loving myself because that is what God would want me to do. For He loves me and you unconditionally regardless. He has already fixed all our foibles through the blood of Jesus.
I can stop striving and rest in His love.
And so, this February, during A Beautiful Life Ministry’s L-O-V-E month, when everyone is talking about their valentine, why not make a decision to love yourself?
Truly, when you and I acknowledge what Jesus did on the cross for you… it will give God glory. We are to remember that there is no condemnation in Christ (Romans 8:1). Not from our past. Not now. Not ever!
We are to forgive ourselves for all of our own flaws in the same way we are called to forgive others. We are to extend grace and mercy to ourselves too.
Here’s a question to ponder today….. what is hindering you from loving yourself? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic.
I tend to waffle through thoughts of failure…and then success. My highs are truly high, but when I feel disobedient….oh the thinks I think! I am learning to trust only how God sees me and not the emotional outbursts my brain wants to sing. It has been very helpful to have key scripture in my heart….for such a time as this! Thank you for your candor and walking alongside our humanness!
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Oh Lisa… We have so much in common. I love your honestly too. And God loves us both! And He is definitely ok with us loving ourselves…. Because we are PERFECT in Christ.
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I feel the exact same way Sister….. Often I look in the mirror and see a crazy ugly mother. I beat myself up and then I pray for forgiveness and help. He is helping me, showing me what needs to change. He is such a Good Father……… Love you lady.
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it’s good to have others to walk through the craziness with!
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You are an awesome mother and beautiful lady Vanessa! Those voices come from the accuser and we are to take them captive.
For He is a great Heavenly Father! Love you Vanessa!
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