When we fall into this, we're no longer living in the grace and truth as it is in Jesus. We begin to see all the bad around us, rather than in grace overlooking many things, and finding the good by God's grace that is present. As well as looking for that good in others. Instead, contrary to Scripture we really begin to look down and grumble to ourselves about others. Something God warns us against (even in the face of true suffering at the hands of others, in the passage linked).
We must beware of a self-help, kind of "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" mentality. Instead we need the truth as it is in Jesus. That truth to bear on everything. And thankfully with that truth comes grace, grace for us all, in Jesus.
What would you like to add to these thoughts?
4 comments:
i would say that pulling on bootstraps only helps me to put on my boots.
in other words...i agree with you.
We don't like to think of self pity as a sin but it is. Self pity can stem from many reasons but ultimately it involves putting ourselves at the center of our affections
Nancy,
ha. yes. funny when we take metaphorical language literally, and you do so here, perhaps in a metaphorical way! :)
ESI,
Good, excellent point. We should not excuse self-pity. It indeed is more than a weakness and mistake, but indeed a sin, like you say. Well said.
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