Today is a really good day to stop giving room in your mind and heart to those who complain about who you’re not, and criticize who you are. If you let the negativity of others shape your identity, you’ll often end up either existing within the limitations of their judgments, or resenting them so much you become as bitter as they are, and perpetuate the same sins against someone as kind and trusting as you used to be.
Part of unconditionally loving others is being joyful, peaceful, patient, and kind without expecting anything in return. And part of loving yourself is not putting your joy, peace, patience, and kindness at the mercy of those who have none of their own right now. I know that’s not always easy, especially when it involves people you interact with regularly. That’s why it’s so important to focus on the one who not only completely loves who you are, but is fully committed to empowering, equipping, and encouraging all he sees you becoming.
You can’t keep everyone from judging you out their own unbelief, misery, and hate, but you can keep from becoming them by determining to see yourself and them through faith, hope, and love. As you do, you’ll grow in hearing Jesus speak to your identity, and in recognizing his voice in others. And making room for those thoughts is just what your mind and heart need.
“His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7b).
Equip Your Spirit 