The Practice of Self-Compassion
a reflection offered by Parish Life member Anne Johnson
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. – Colossians 3:12
| This week, I would like to talk about self-compassion. Self-help books promise to solve all your problems, magazines at the check-out counter make outlandish claims about improving your life, online advice is endless, friends may say hurtful things, regrets weigh heavily, etc. The constant drumbeat of these messages can affect us on both a conscious and subconscious level – Every. Single. Day. – whether we realize it or not. In turn this can lead to self-doubt, feelings of not being good enough, not measuring up or feeling small. Social media has only worsened this problem. It’s no wonder we often talk to ourselves so negatively. Unfortunately, Western culture and modern society’s messages dwell on shortcomings and flaws both in ourselves and each other. Would we talk as negatively to a friend as we do to ourselves? Would we constantly harp to our friend about their shortcomings, mistakes, and frailties? No, of course not. Then why do it to ourselves? Our topic this Lenten season is Compassion. We often think of having compassion for others who are less fortunate, sick or grieving. For some of us, however, an important place to start is with self-compassion. The Living Compass write up for today points out that “We cannot extend compassion if we don’t first know self-compassion.” How true. Other sayings include “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” In other words, you can’t help and support others if you don’t first help and support yourself. God loves each and every one of us. No exceptions. Instead of beating ourselves up over mistakes and regrets, learn how to make peace with them. Pray about it. Give yourself the compassion and grace to let them go. Accept yourself for who you are; strive to be better today than yesterday, live intentionally. You can’t dislike yourself into becoming a better person. I’d like to finish with a prayer I found that may be useful when your own self-compassion is in short supply some days. I hope you find it helpful too. A Prayer for Self-Compassion Dear God, I pray for self-awareness today, please show me who you created me to be. Help me to love, understand, and accept myself, despite my flaws and mistakes. Show me how to love myself like you love me. I desire to run the race you’ve set before until I reach the finish line and I know for that, I will have to practice self-compassion over and over again. Please comfort me and help me to practice self-compassion. Lord, it’s not easy to forget the things I’ve done but I know that you already have. Help me to receive the grace You’ve freely given me through your Son, Jesus Christ. I pray that I can love myself and my neighbors the way you want me to. May all that I do bring glory back to you. Thank you for your love, for forgiveness, for grace, and for hope. I am forever grateful, in Jesus’ name, Amen. |
| FINAL SESSION TONIGHT – 8:00/8:30 PM: Adult Learning Series with John Rybicki in person or on Zoom “A God of Compassion throughout Scripture” Room 146 or on Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84973519512?pwd=elAwOEVIZlZRL2p6aDNZS3dKVFlhQT09 Meeting ID: 849 7351 9512 Passcode: 779218 Dial In: 301 715 8592 Worship every Sunday at 10am, in person and live streamed! |