Sometimes it seems easier to offer grace towards someone else than it is to have towards ourselves. We squeal in delight as our friend twirls around in her new outfit and tell her how cute she looks. But when we look in the mirror at ourselves, we seem to instantly magnify our flaws, failing to show ourselves grace. Grace is such a beautiful thing because we receive it freely from God without having to do anything for Him. God shows us His grace even though we don’t deserve it.
Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” I think it is easier to look at this verse and turn it towards the way we talk to others, rather than changing the way we talk to ourselves. We need to take captive all of our negative thoughts and throw them away. They are toxic and will only bring us pain.
I don’t remember exactly what we were talking about, all I remember is that my almost 8 year old son was telling me something about one of his friends and the conversation they were having the other day. My son is big on people being “cool.” He calls himself “cool” and some friends are “cool” and others are not. I told him that there is always going to be people that “think you’re cool” and there will also always be some people that don’t. And it will have nothing to do with you, it will just be their option.
The world is harsh. People are going to judge you for silly things like; your height, your hair color, your weight….heck they may just decide for no reason at all they just plain old don’t like you. But you know what, you still need to show them grace. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6
God wants us to show grace and love to others, but please don’t forget that He wants us to do the same for ourselves as well. We are created in His imagine. He loves us just the way we are. So when someone tells you that you aren’t cool enough or smart enough or pretty enough….just smile and show grace towards them and towards yourself, by not believing what they say. Because God says otherwise. He said, you are more precious than rubies. Proverbs 3:15 and I don’t know about you, but I think that is pretty amazing.
I pray that you know your worth. I pray that you feel God’s love and grace in your life and that you show it to others as well as yourself. I challenge you to take your negative thoughts captive this week. All of them! Towards others and towards yourself and replace them with grace. Find grace. Receive grace….and freely give grace to others. God bless!
Please feel free to leave a comment or contact me directly with any questions, comments or prayer requests.
xo,
Elizabeth
Beautifully written. I am guilty of showing my closest friends tons of grace but then expecting perfection out of myself. Grace over perfection is something I aim for daily. I did need this reminder too so thanks! :D
How amazing is our God???! He GIVES us grace. His present for us.
Thank you for this post!!
God bless uu
LOVE this!
This was the post you mentioned on IG and I love it! Grace is as important to give ourselves as it is to others. We are our toughest critics. Too funny how your son is all about being “cool” and I remember those days vividly.
Loving your blog lady!
“Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” I think it is easier to look at this verse and turn it towards the way we talk to others, rather than changing the way we talk to ourselves.”
This, this really struck me. I know I need to rethink how I talk to myself and about myself. Sometimes I get too cocky and prideful and only talk to myself in that way. Other times I’m too insecure and will talk to myself in a way to tears me down rather than builds me up. And I need to go that place that speaks truth and conviction rather than harsh or prideful words.
Thank you for the amazing reminder!