Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 2 Timothy 3:17 (MSG)
God doesn’t discipline us by attacking our self-worth. God is a loving father, not some scowling, impatient dad. When He shows us His truths and corrects our mistakes, He doesn’t crush our self-worth to do so. In fact, God corrects and educates us without ever touching our self-worth.
Unfortunately, for years it seemed the goal of many churches was to make church-goers feel bad about themselves. As a young guy, I remember watching different preachers brow-beat their congregations with shame until everybody felt sufficiently sinful and remorseful.
Now, I didn’t subscribe to that. And over time, I noticed many churches begin to empty and shut down. Why? Because shattering people’s self-worth doesn’t breathe life into their broken hearts.
That’s why God doesn’t discipline us through finger-wagging or condemnation. He works the opposite way. Because God wants our self-worth rooted and growing confidently in Him, He states over and over how precious we are to Him. He points out how He’s stamped each person with honour and worth.
God trains and course-corrects our mistaken heart beliefs through His overwhelming compassion and love. Through declaring that we hold incredible value, God empowers our hearts to grow in Him.
What an excellent teacher He is!
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