He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11, NIV
Real Talk: Have you ever faced adversity and wished you could handle it with more dignity and composure? Or did you feel like you should be able to manage your emotions and stay strong or look differently? I’ve caught myself falling into the trap of self-criticism, demanding perfection from myself that I wouldn’t expect from others.
The other day, a friend said this to me, “I want you to set down the effort and energy you exert when thinking about how you should be or how you think you are viewed by others, and just be. There is no perfect…we know your heart and character.”
And it HIT me hard. I was judging myself.
We know self-judgment only leads to darkness, stifling our capacity for honesty and authenticity. It deceives us into believing we are too much or not enough.
The truth is, we all live in this wonderfully complex space of life, and that’s precisely why meaningful relationships and deep honesty are so vital. Sharing reminds us that we are worthy of care, have value, and are not alone. Sharing our struggles allows us to remember the truth that we live together in him. It opens an opportunity for others to grow in their gifts of encouragement and building up of the body.
So whatever space you are in today, I challenge you to reach out, set down your pride, and share more of who you are. Allow others to encourage you and speak words that build you up.
Jesus, help us to be honest about our struggles as well as our victories. Help us to build each other up and remember Your truths as we walk through the daily mysteries of this life together. Thank You for teaching us to lay down the lies and discouragement, isolation, and perceived expectations of others while we embrace the freedom found in building each other up in You. Amen.
Copyright Rebekah Hutchinson.
Rebekah is a Christian Educators member and a second-grade teacher in Vancouver, Washington.
2 Responses
Excellent words Rebekah! To many times we place expectations on ourselves which are way beyond what we can obtain!
This is powerful. How we talk to each other is so important. It is so easy it is to get tangled up in our own judgements of ourself and others. With our eyes on Christ and building each other up, we can walk in peace and lay judgement aside.