If we could only see ourselves through other people’s eyes. Instead of speaking lies over ourselves, we are to speak truth.
This past Mother’s Day my 10 year old son made a card for me that I will treasure for decades to come. At the top he wrote, “I love you, and here is why…” Then he made a list complete with pictures. Number one on the list was, You are fast. I love that I impress him with my speed. Crazy thing is, he is already faster than me, but I have him hands down on the endurance factor!
Number two was, You are patient. I started to think I had the wrong card. Me? Patient? Not a quality I have ever claimed to possess. The picture he drew was me with all three kiddos saying, “Mom, mom, mom, mom, mom…” Pretty accurate representation, really. Somedays I threaten to change my name, or I will say that mom is no longer here.
Number three was, You are loving. He drew a picture of me hugging him. This is true. I love on my kiddos all the time. Constantly kissing them, hugging them, playing with their hair. I couldn’t stop if I tried. But there was something so special to see that he is aware of the love being shown.
I went back to number two, and then I began to weep. If only I could see myself as my children see me. In their eyes I am loving, and patient, and impressive. I like their version of me better than my version.
Hush…
We put labels on ourselves that aren’t true. We don’t want to be angry, impatient, unkind, or lazy, but this is exactly what we call ourselves. So naturally, that is what we present and become. It’s time to stop. It’s time to see ourselves as God sees us. Do you know what God sees when He looks at us?
God sees Jesus.
If we have accepted Christ’s redemption, we are covered with Jesus. We are patient, kind, supportive of others, and considerate.
For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.
Hebrews 10:14, ESV
Yes, we are being sanctified – meaning we are a work in process – but we are also already made perfect in our justification. The enemy wants nothing more than to keep us hindered, to make us less effective for the Kingdom, and to destroy our influence.
Do you know what God sees when He looks at us? God sees Jesus. Click To Tweet
Speak truth…
Over the last few weeks I have begun a campaign of rebuking. When I find myself speaking negative things over myself, or over other people, I rebuke it in the name of Jesus. This means I do not claim it. I do not claim to be bound to that sin Christ has already freed me from. I do not claim for my children to struggle with things. And I do not claim it over my relationships.
I rebuke…
defensiveness.
being judgmental.
discontentment.
insecurity.
perfectionism.
laziness.
This does not mean I am in denial. Please don’t hear that. It is absolutely acknowledging reality. But it is acknowledging the sinful reality, and then replacing it Christ’s reality. After all, the truth (God’s truth) is what will set us free.
Your turn…
What nasty lies are you speaking over yourself?
Who can you turn to, to speak truth over you?
Want to dig deeper?
There is a Study Group beginning Sunday, June 3rd on Facebook. I would love to have you be a part of it! To grab a copy of the book, click the image below.
Thank you for such good reminders about truth and how to look at what is true.
I’m glad you liked it, friend!!
I love the idea of actively rebuking the lies. To not allow them to continue to be connected and attached to us but to move forward in progress and God’s love!
It is powerful when we verbally speak and fight with God’s word!!
How would you advise someone who is having lies spoken over them by a spouse?
Oh sweet lady. This is a much bigger issue. If someone is truly being beaten down verbally, that is abuse. I would advise that person to find wise, solid counsel. Someone who can walk through the abuse and healing with them. Also, I conferred with another one of our writers, Dodie (she has a masters in marriage and family therapy), she recommends the book Why Does He Do That, by Lundy Bancroft. Hope this helps!