WFW 2 Cor 13:10-12

2 Corinthians 13:10-12 (New International Version, ©2010)

This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority—the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.  Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.  Greet one another with a holy kiss.

Based on the tiny amount of news I hear each day, we need to begin speaking better of ourselves.   While speaking on the podcast for the Pink Dress, I made the statement that we do not speak as kindly to ourselves as we do to one another.  Having a bad day?  No problem, I will do what I can to cheer you up?  Not feeling good about yourself?  Have no fear, I will list out every single one of your positive traits!  But then, we look in the mirror, we allow our thoughts to run freely, and we beat ourselves up.  False humility?  Lack of belief?  Following society's norm?  I, for the life of me, cannot figure out the why behind that question.  I do not know why we speak so abusively to our own selves.  We would go to blows if we heard someone speaking so horribly about our daughters, friends, or family members.  But left on our own, we are beating ourselves up, often.

We have to stop allowing this to happen.  We must hold one another accountable to the promises God has laid out, to what his word says about us, and encourage one another to speak those words to ourselves.  Encourage one another to be honest, but kind, realistic and bold, but with hope.  We need to encourage our own selves, as often as we encourage one another in what God has before us.  If we are not where we want to be, let us start coming up with solutions rather than kicking ourselves repeatedly (anyone else tired of self inflicted bruises?).  And please, do not minimize yourself in your speech in order to sound more humble.  Let's be honest in where we are, where we have come, and where we are going.  It is ok to speak of our accomplishments, as long as we are giving credit to the one who has gifted, equipped, and guided us.  Do not minimize God by minimizing yourself.  I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I am where I am because of God's grace and mercy.  I know his love for me has so exceeded what I have deserved, and I am thankful for all that He has allowed me to do and what He is preparing me to do.  I will not be ashamed of his creation, myself included.  Am I a work in progress?  Oh yes friend, yes indeed.  And this work in progress will grow and flourish, especially when surrounded by love. 

Besides, there is enough hardship in this life, we do not need to add to it by slipping our hands into boxing gloves and turning them on ourselves.

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