Self-acceptance, self-respect, and self-love are all
interconnected. A young man graduating from
high school was so overburdened with guilt that assurance of his salvation was
beyond consideration. By his mid-twenties he was in a crisis with himself, with
what he felt called to do, and with God.
When
Jesus confronted the accusers of the woman caught in adultery with their own sin,
they backed down even though their accusation had merit. When Jesus told the woman
he did not condemn her but to go and sin no more, did he infer that she was to
be perfect? He was calling her to a higher level of accountability and a more
acceptable lifestyle.
This
is an issue and struggle with so many Christians. Self-respect, self-acceptance,
and self-love hinge on our choice of lifestyle. Internalizing God’s forgiveness
and cleansing made possible by confession of sin and faith in Christ Jesus will
dissolve guilt and make self-acceptance possible. God’s gift of faith empowers us
to choose a better way.
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