Fightings Within, Fears Without: Come to God - Part 1

Self-condemnation is often caused by expectations that are impossible to achieve which pave the way for blame, defensiveness and guilt to surface. Criticism from significant others creates a lack of self-acceptance and will generate internal and external conflict. Imagine the emotional pain produced by a negative perception of oneself.

Coping with low self-esteem through eating disorders, substance abuse and other harmful behaviors tends to exaggerate internal strife. Self-condemnation makes it difficult to feel loved and accepted by God and others. As difficult as it is to achieve, the objective is to change a negative perception of oneself to self-acceptance.

The Apostle Paul declared, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Choosing to be vulnerable for God to cleanse the heart, soul and mind of guilt diminishes self-condemnation. 1 John 1:7 reassures me that the blood of Christ Jesus cleanses me from every sin. Thank God for his grace and mercy and for new a beginning.  

The Power of Patience: Taming the Temper - Part 1

During holidays and other special family gatherings, a quick temper can devastate the joyful spirit of family unity. Individuals and relationships suffer when tempers flare out of control. Lack of respect and trust diminishes for those who are quick to anger, and their attendance becomes undesirable. Personal safety may also become an issue.

A quick tempered person usually possesses a fragile ego-strength or ego-boundaries. A quick temper reflects a fear of loss of control over a situation, over another person, or within oneself. A quick temper is an effort to hide low self-esteem. A quick tempered person never acquires the control, love, or respect he or she desires.

Listen to Proverbs 15:18. "A hot tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel." You can control your temper by permitting God to empower you with patience. This is possible when you receive this gift, a fruit of the Spirit. The power of patience makes you acceptable and lovable. With God, all things are possible. 

Listening to Your Inner Voice - Part 2

Most people want to rise above self-centeredness at some point in life's journey. Self-centeredness promotes self-indulgence and eventually creates a void within the heart and soul. What are you getting from your relationships, from the world of entertainment, or from a successful career? Sooner or later each person will have to ask, "What gives meaning and purpose to my life?"

There's an interesting paradox to this issue of self-indulgence. The incongruity lies in the connection between a deeper, underlying self-hatred and the drive to fill up one's life with everything possible. Self hatred, low self-esteem, and a wounded conscience go hand in hand. One reason for self-hatred is guilt.

Self-hatred and guilt tell you you're bad, but God provides an escape from  condemnation. Genuine sorrow for wrong-doing is what God expects within the heart of the person. Ask God to help you seek the promise of Psalm 126:5. "Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy." This choice is the pathway to change.