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Reflections and Poetry

The Roots of Self-Condemnation: Preparing for God’s Call

We can be pretty hard on ourselves. Failure is inevitable and we must persevere through our mistakes in order to reach the goal: Fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.

One of the last things we need do, when we are aiming to live in the fullness of God, is to put ourselves down, condemning ourselves for our short-comings.

Often self-condemnation is seen as a form of pride. That may be. And pride comes before a fall. So, better to be aware of our pride. But pride isn’t always the reason behind our being overly-self critical. Some of us may have heard criticism from a tender age and so we automatically hear it in our heads as adults.

Recently, I received a letter from someone who doesn’t think well of me. In reading the opening sentence of the letter, I realized I was about to receive a series of criticism. There would be grains of truth in some of the accusations, because I’m not perfect.

Then I realized, while my imperfections do not excuse my past mistakes, neither is the accuser perfect. I had a EUREKA moment. I realized that I don’t have to feel shame for being imperfect and nor do I have to defend myself, but rather I can accept the imperfections both of myself and of the other person. That’s a move of God’s grace within me.

Please don’t confuse my meaning. I’m not saying we ignore our failings or excuse them. Being aware of our faults and wanting to become better people is healthy; it’s part of the process of maturity. But that is not the same as living in condemnation from ourselves or from others, because we are not perfect.

As an aside, I’d also say, the accuser (the devil) loves to make us think about our shortcomings, and he’ll use others to do it. But let’s remember that the other person doing the accusing is also flawed. Part of their flawed nature may well include the skewed vision they have of you.

“There is no condemnation in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1) If you are experiencing condemnation from within or from another, it is not of the Lord. We are responsible to take on board our faults and repent, learn and grow. But condemnation is a sign of criticism that is, at least, exaggerated and purposed to oppress.

Overcoming condemnation will teach you to know the difference between valid complaint and invalid accusation. And it will enable you to move from darkness to light, in the pursuit of fulfilling God’s Call on your life.

By Dr Sarah Tun

Dr Sarah Tun began her professional career as a teacher. Years later she became a performing artist and administrator to property development. She felt the Call to write full time in 2004. Dr Sarah has traveled extensively, and lived in New York City (for a year), London England (for a long time) and Hong Kong (briefly) before returning to her home in Ontario, Canada, then to Spain and finally now, has re-settled in her adoptive home of England. She graduated with degrees in Drama, Education and diplomas in Acting and Theology. Most recently she was awarded Honorary Doctor of Ministry and became ordained. Her favourite experience to date has been following her Creator and Lord. She doesn't think Life can get any better! Dr Sarah Tun is author, singer, preacher, writing coach and all-round enthusiast, celebrating and seeking to inspire all of us to quench our thirst for deeper intimacy with God through the Holy Spirit.

6 replies on “The Roots of Self-Condemnation: Preparing for God’s Call”

This update really makes some very important points, Sarah. I thought about some cruel thinks that were said to me in my childhood which stuck. Even as a child, the devil was atacking me with such lies that in my innocence I believed. Lies that would make my path of walking with the Lord difficult as I belived I wasn’t valid or worthy. And to this very day this ill-treatment still rears its ugly head. So this post ‘The Roots of Self-Condemnation: preparing you for God’s Call’ really spoke to me and touched me in a special way and I feel truly blessed that you shared it.

This update really makes some very important points, Sarah. I thought about some cruel things that were said to me in my childhood which stuck. Even as a child, the devil was attacking me with such lies which, in my innocence, I believed. Lies that would make my path of walking with the Lord difficult, as I believed I wasn’t valid or worthy. And to this very day this ill-treatment still rears its ugly head. So this post ‘The Roots of Self-Condemnation: preparing you for God’s Call’ really spoke to me and touched me in a special way and I feel truly blessed that you shared it.

Thank you for sharing your heart, David, and I’m so pleased my thoughts resonated with yours. Thankfully, we are wiser with age and experience. Blessings to you.

I have learned over the years that when accusations are made against me, many times, the accusing person is telling me about him or herself. For example: people often assume because they lie, or whatever, that I do as well. Also, hurt people hurt people.

Absolutely makes sense, Tom. We see the flaws in others that we recognize in ourselves… And vice versa… we can be accused by another of a flaw they despise in themselves.
Awareness of this is a means to overcoming. Through our own forgiveness and awareness, another’s attitude toward us has much less influence.
Blessings and thanks for your insightful comment.
Sarah

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