Self-Loathing–What’s it Good for?

Absolutely Nothing!

“But He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 AMP

“Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love.” — Brené Brown

Sad but true: Self-loathing will improve me. No, no it won’t. Where did we get the idea that flogging ourselves, denying ourselves, and rejecting ourselves, will make us better people? Perhaps powerful lessons from childhood and society have ingrained this into our very souls. Are you a better person because of this?

A better way. We have a Father who loves us so much He put His grace, lovingkindness, and mercy in place of our glaring weaknesses. David wasn’t perfect—Adultery and murder are the stuff of paperback novels. Paul was a murderer and wrote the most influential book on love. Jesus said, “Love covers a multitude of sins when a prostitute cleans his feet with her tears and hair.”

Willpower and Compliance. I’ve seen hopeless situations where people admit they are powerless. There’s so much we are powerless over. Paul takes it further. He boasts about His weaknesses for the power of Christ to dwell. I don’t know about you, but I don’t boast about my weakness. I hide them, even from the Father.

Love. I read the story of the Prodigal Son when I’m shaming myself. We can always return to the Father with Jesus as our advocate and the Holy Spirit as our guide. No matter what you’ve done, you are deeply loved.

Musings

First aid: “And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fullness of God,” Paul states in one manner or another the key to genuine transformation. Instead of self-loathing, may we take it to the Father with confidence and His fullness.

Prayer

Dear Father,

You love us beyond understanding. You love us at the bottom of the abyss, no matter what we’ve done. You’ve promised nothing shall separate us from Your love, not death or illness or shame. We cling to Your promises and trust the power of Your Son to save us and fill us.

Amen.