It is in our sinful nature to put ourselves down and to judge others as well. Let’s try to understand the similarities and differences between these two problems. Their commonality lies in the fact that they are both born out of pride. When we put ourselves down, there is a lot of misinformation about what that means. Do we really need to discover how to love ourselves as the world says? The answer is,
If we rely too much on self-direction, we cannot rely on God, and if we focus too much on works we simply cannot be a servant of God. As a Christian, I want to exhort others through God’s gift(s) to me so that I decrease and God increases. Natural fruits equals successful ministry.
When this happens, encouragement is needed. Unfortunately, there is counterfeit compassion that lacks love and commitment, and sometimes as believers, we can get lured in by that same approach. Anyone, however, can say the right words. Consider the following sample question and answers:
If we honor God with our commitment to empathy, prayer, and compassion, we will be much more effective in ministering to others. We must bear in mind that we are not the answer, but that we are there, if anything, to point others to the Father.
