Self-hatred's Cure

"There is a sure way for us to know that we belong to the truth. Even though our inner thoughts may condemn us with storms of guilt and constant reminders of our failures, we can know in our hearts that in His presence God Himself is greater than any accusation. He knows all things."

--1 John 3:20 The Voice Translation

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Day 30 opens with a quote from Matthew Henry:  God deems it his glory and joy, to pardon and bless those who might justly be condemned…

The remainder of the reading talks about criticisms other people might aim at us when our physical appearance changes because of overweight. This kind of humiliation is difficult enough to bear, but even more painful is the self-condemnation we feel when confronted with a candid photo, the reflection in the mirror, or the number on the scale.   

From day 30, edited to address the pain of self-condemnation: 

 God’s word offers comfort for those of us who have judged ourselves harshly: “Mercy triumphs over judgment”  (James 2:13). We can rest in the assurance that, even if we suffer the scourge of self-hatred, love will eventually win out. God’s mercy will triumph. When we leave the safe shelter of our homes and venture out into the world, we can go forward protected from the devastating consequences of rejection. We no longer have to be injured even by our own mistaken or sinful attitudes. We have been pronounced as acceptable by God’s love through Jesus, the highest authority of all. The Lord’s judgment overrules all others.

When we sin, God does not condemn us. Rather than judgment, we receive only the gentle assurance that His presence with us has freed us from suffering over how we have acted; His love covers us.  We can trust in His cleansing forgiveness and protective love. God’s mercy has triumphed through Christ, covering us with His seal of acceptance. 

Pray:  Lord, thank You for covering me with the forgiveness purchased by the Blood of Christ. I rest in the assurance that You have accepted me, and I release my self-hatred to You.  Please help me see myself through Your eyes. Your acceptance triumphs over the rejection I feel for myself. Judgment finds no landing place where there is no guilt, and Your blood has washed away my guilt. Be in the way others see me, and be in the way I see myself.  

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There is no vision of wrongdoing by Jacob;
        God has seen no trouble for Israel.
    The Eternal One abides among them;
        and the shout of a king is among them.

Numbers 23:21 The Voice

…mercy always wins against judgment. Thank God!

James 2:13 The Voice