Self Denial and Self Rejection
Romans 5:6-11
6 For when we were still without strength, [a]in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.
Many people, even in the church, suffer from self-rejection. This type of thought pattern can persist for years, sabotaging the truth about who we are in Christ and how valuable we are to our heavenly Father. When such a lie reigns in our mind, feelings of worthlessness follow.
If you’ve received Jesus Christ as Savior, you’re accepted by God—based not on your performance but on Christ’s substitutionary atoning death on your behalf. This is the truth that should govern your self-perception. But eliminating wrong patterns of thought and behavior takes more than simply knowing why you’re accepted. To develop a healthier outlook, you must saturate yourself with God’s Word so the Holy Spirit can renew your mind with truth and reveal any unbiblical thinking.
Let’s start with a few foundational principles from Scripture. As believers, we belong to God’s family (Romans 8:15-17). We are so loved by Him that He sent His Son to rescue us from sin and condemnation (John 3:16). And we’re empowered by His indwelling Spirit to successfully live as God desires—in righteousness, holiness, and truth (Galatians 5:16-25).
If you’ll allow these three facts to permeate your being, over time your self-perception will change, and appropriate feelings will eventually follow.
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