Today's reading

Now we see a blurred image in a mirror. Then we will see very clearly. Now my knowledge is incomplete. Then I will have complete knowledge as God has complete knowledge of me. –1 Corinthians 13:12 GW

November 27, 2022

A Fractured Identity

Now we see a blurred image in a mirror. Then we will see very clearly. Now my knowledge is incomplete. Then I will have complete knowledge as God has complete knowledge of me. –1 Corinthians 13:12 GW

Family and friends, schools and campuses, as well as clubs and churches are infectious grounds where individuals, both young and old, can sadly pick up distorted impressions about themselves. People’s opinions, unrealistic demands from others, or forces trying to mold a person into someone he or she is not meant to be, can disfigure one’s self-esteem and hinder the ability to recognize and celebrate one’s own uniqueness.To a degree, individuals who battle with negative self-image issues struggle to accept not only themselves, but others. Their distorted views of themselves lead to self-rejection and negative behaviors. They may feel that they’re unlovable, that they have to prove themselves worthy, or that they will never measure up to others in looks, job performance, church involvement, etc.Regardless of what has caused this fractured identity, a distorted mindset can be changed within an individual through a relationship with Christ, Bible study, and the works of the Holy Spirit. As we adjust our thinking to what God says about us in His Word, we begin to shed the wrong thought patterns that we’ve been accustomed to believing. When we realign our thoughts andbelieve what God’s Word says about us, we will start to think better about ourselves in a godly, well-balanced way. In return, we will experience healthier, happier relationships with God and others.

prayer focuses

Ask God to infuse you with inner strength.

Ask God to help you move from a place of fear to a place of confident hope.

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about the

Author

Barbara Alpert

Barbara was a wife, mother, and grandma who sought to love the LORD with all her heart, soul & strength. She has authored several books for adults and children. She has enjoyed mentoring other writers and seeing them turn their manuscripts into published masterpieces for God's glory. She believed that every person has a God-story within them to be told and shared. Barbara passed away peacefully in November 2023, but Bayside continues to remember and honor her legacy by sharing devotionals written by her in order to inspire and encourage others.