3 Words to Stop Self-Condemnation

Photo by Julian Santa

I spent years condemning and criticizing myself, erecting a belief of “I’m not good enough” as solid and scraping as the Empire State Building.

The foundation for this ingrained thinking began decades earlier in junior high school. As the beginning of school approached, I was excited to see Robbie. By the end of 6th grade, we’d grown close. I had no intention of braving a new school without her.   

Our reunion didn’t go as I expected.  When I finally found her in the school hallway, she acted as if she didn’t know me.

In the days that followed I began to understand why: Robbie was a cheerleader. I was not.  

At school, the cheerleaders led a weekly pep rally from a flat roof on the second floor. That location became a metaphor for their social status and worth, as did my location — the dirt ground of the courtyard below.   

And so, I adopted the belief I was inferior and inadequate.   

While it took time to tear down the damning mindset I’d built about myself, three words from God broke down much false belief and changed everything.

CHOSEN

Other people — friends, like my cheerleader friend — men, employers, and even strangers may spurn us. They may flat out reject us. But God selects you and me to have a relationship with him.  

BLAMELESS

We’re not wrong or a target for blame because of other people who reject us. We’re right and blameless when we choose to turn to Jesus, who is always ready to accept us.

LOVED

God’s love for us is unconditional and lavish. He made you and me, and delights in what he sees. He calls us, his creation, good and wonderful.  

When I let the words “chosen, blameless and loved” define me, I stop condemning myself. I quit focusing on all I perceive I’m not and focus instead on who God says I am.  

I know you have stories of rejection, not feeling accepted, or acceptable — most likely from circumstances far worse than my own. Have you condemned yourself? Will you allow these three truths to change your life?

Long before he laid down earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love.

God’s gift [Jesus] has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives.

He has called us and made us his very own beloved children.