Self-Acceptance: From self-negation to self-respect

Pine

Self-reproach, guilt

Guilt

Self-blame, regret, shame

For those who blame themselves. Even when successful they think they could have done better, and are never content with their efforts or the results. They are hard-working and suffer much from the faults they attach to themselves. Sometimes if there are any mistakes it is due to another, but they will claim responsibility even for that.

Reflection

Pine reflects guilt and self-reproach. A person carries blame, sometimes for a real wrong and sometimes for a weight that was never theirs. Where there is sin, God receives confession and cleanses. Where the blame belongs to someone else, or to a wrong already forgiven, He does not ask for endless self-punishment. Cleansing is His work.

Scripture

1 John 1:9 (KJV). "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Meditation

Father, I confess what is truly mine, and I set down what is not. Thank You for being faithful to forgive. Cleanse me, and quiet the voice that will not.