Isn’t it funny how we can look past the faults of our spouses, children, friends, co-workers and just about anyone who crosses our paths on a given day; yet, when it comes to ourselves, not only do we not look past our faults, we magnify them, often to the point of becoming paralyzed and unable to move forward in life?
I had somewhat of an epiphany when reading the writings of a young woman who lived in France and entered a religious convent at a young age. At one point in her life, she suffered tremendously due to the fact that she was unable to focus on anything other than her own faults. In time, and through much prayer, she was blessed with a certain realization that has served me well in life, ever since I read it in her book.
Our faults do not offend God! Woo hoo! High fives, all around! I don’t know about you, but I found this to be eye-opening/spectacular!
As a loving Father, the Lord is not offended by our weakness, nor by any propensity we might have toward a particular fault. If we are inclined toward impatience, short-temperedness, laziness or selfishness, it is not these faults that capture God’s attention; rather, it is what we do next that He cares about most!
Just as we strive to see Christ in others and to look past their tendencies and weaknesses in order to build them up, encourage and support them along their journeys, so too, must we look for Christ in ourselves! If we are to love our neighbor as ourselves, then we must also love ourselves as our neighbor!
How many fall into a trap of feeling unworthy, inadequate, useless, or inferior because they can’t seem to forget about their faults?
Good news! God is waiting to shower an abundance of grace and blessing upon us, to help us overcome our faults and human frailties. We are not “docked points” or rejected because of our need for refinement. We are human. We are on a journey. We fall down. We get back up. We try again.
Can you imagine rejecting your child because he or she tends to overreact or lashes out when angry? Would you ever think those traits make that child unworthy of your love? Just as you continue to love your child, looking past personal faults and into the beautiful heart and soul that you know, with love and nurturing and attention, will grow into a wonderful man or woman someday, so too, does our Father in heaven continue to love us and desire a relationship with us in spite of the many issues “we may need to work on.”
In short, we need to stop being so hard on ourselves, give ourselves a break, and see our own potential just as we strive to see it in others.
Writer Bio
Judy Dudich resides in the beautiful woods of Pennsylvania, where 24 acres of land and a home-office provide the perfect setting for her children’s home-education and her own homesteading and business ventures. Life is full of blessings (and challenges!) for Judy, as a wife, mother of 10 and Grammy to six. She is a published author, whose book, “I Surrender/A Study Guide for Women” continues to encourage and support others in Christian family lifestyles throughout the world. Judy has also previously worked in the online speaking circuit. Her passion for permaculture, re-purposing, foraging and organic gardening fills her days with learning and adventure that she loves to share.
