For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as The Lord does the church. For we are members of His body, His flesh and of His bones. Ephesians 5:29-30
"For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10
Have you ever complimented someone who can’t quite handle a compliment? Though they may say “thank you,” their immediate response is to put themselves down? Here's an example, you say, “Hey I love your hair!” and they say, “Thank you but I just don’t like the color,” or “Thank you but I just wish it had more curl to it.” Here’s another good one. Have you ever cleaned house and your parents invited guests over who compliment how nice everything looks, and instead of your mom simply saying, "Thank you," she replies with, “Ah, this messy ole' place”… and you’re like WHAT!?! 😃😂
Admittedly, I’ve been on both sides of this coin, both giving compliments and at times, struggling to receive compliments without trailing behind it with a “but”...”
Paul writes to the Ephesians in chapter 5, and he uses the union of marriage to create a beautiful picture of the love Christ has for the church. Paul’s example of husbands loving their wives mirrors Christs' love for the church. When Paul said, “…for we are members of His body, His flesh, and of His bones,” suddenly a much clearer picture comes into view showing why it’s so important NOT to put ourselves down. When we are in Christ we become “ONE FLESH” with Christ and He loves us beyond our own comprehension, He does not put us down, so neither should we put ourselves down.
Jesus nourishes and cherishes us, He loves you and I with a perfect love! His word declares.."we are fearfully and wonderfully made." Psalm 139:14 Putting ourselves down really says, "Christ isn’t enough in me," and that is simply NOT true. His Word declares, “…GREATER is HE that is in me, than he that is in the world. 1John 4:4 Jesus is flawless, He’s declared you fearfully and wonderfully made and He is perfect.
The next time you receive a compliment, think about the truth that we are IN Christ Jesus. Remember, GREATER IS HE IN US than anything we may deem to be “flawed” about us.
GREATER is HE IN US than anything we’d try to put on our “wish list,” or anything our vain imaginations would deem “imperfect" about us.….(which really exposes insecurity, pride and even false humility). "For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago." Ephesians 2:10
Prayer
Jesus I thank You that You are greater in me than anything I may think about me. Holy Spirit, help me to remain mindful of Your Presence IN ME, and may this mindfulness replace insecurity and pride. In Jesus Mighty Name I pray, AMEN!
So let me hear from you - Please comment below! Type: “Greater is He that is IN ME than_______(then name the “but” that attempts to disqualify you)
