Self-Condemnation and Deliverance
Many people seek deliverance from self-condemnation because it’s an enemy. It hangs out with you at low points. When the feeling shows up, every wrong thing you’ve ever done circles in your head like a merry-go-round. It whispers a deafening cacophony of what you did, what you should have done, and God could never use you.
For example, if only my personality was more like _________or I hadn’t_________or I have too many faults to be a Christian. Worn-out choruses of “Did God really forgive me” and “How do I put my sins in the past” play non-stop in your head.
Knowing how to overcome self-condemnation means you learn to stop these invasions of the heart and mind. Deliverance from self-condemnation means you can live a life of freedom and grow spiritually. For instance, much of what I wrote in “Cheating Spouse Help Book” centers around self-defeating thoughts.
First, it’s important to understand why self-condemnation takes up residence in your heart.
- Satan loves pushing your buttons. His job is to persecute, condemn, and convince you that his lies are true.
- He uses words like, “You think you’re a Christian, look at what you did.” “You’re a pitiful mother (or father).” Satan is subtle and deceives. Consequently, you think it’s your thoughts, not his.
Second, you must not respond to Satan’s accusations because his goal is to stop spiritual growth. You empower him every time you cooperate with his scheme to bring you down.
Sooner or later, you realize the importance of overthrowing Satan’s disguises by recognizing the root of his tactics against you.
What Is Self-Condemnation?
It means you feel guilty, blame yourself, and tout your wrongdoings as if they’re for sale. You have an overwhelming shameful feeling that you aren’t good enough. Some people self-condemn for sins committed against them by others. Whatever the reason for self-condemnation, you believe it’s up to you to fix sin.
Here’s the thing. Have you ever tried to fix yourself only to wind up feeling more guilty? After failed attempts to free yourself from self-reproach, you solicit praise from people to boost your self-esteem. Surprisingly, in the long run, you’re back where you started—full of remorse. There’s a better way to deal with this self-destructing habit.
Deliverance from Self-Condemnation Tips
- Recognize the difference between self-condemning thoughts and Holy Spirit convictions. Condemning thoughts point toward self-made resolutions. Satan is all about throwing dirty laundry in your face. Conversely, the Holy Spirit is kind even when He convicts. He exalts rather than condemns. He instills hope for your future when you repent through grace.
- Remember. Jesus was condemned for your sins. If you have to, nail this scripture to your front door to remind Satan you don’t belong to him. Romans 8:1 – There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. If you’re in Christ (meaning He’s yours and you accepted Him as Lord and Savior), God put the sins of the world on His Son. Jesus carried our sins so we don’t have to.
- Allow God to make you a new creation. You BECOME a new creation in Christ. As I mentioned in that post about becoming a new creation, “Satan is happy when you see yourself as a mere worm plowing through dirt and seeing light occasionally. Jesus’ blood covers wickedness so you live free from condemnation. Jesus sanctified you through his death.”
More Deliverance From Self-Condemnation Tips
- Let go of past sins. How many times do you need to repent from sin? Once. There’s no reason to bombard God with your unworthiness and discount the amazing work of salvation in your life. Hang on tightly to the truth of the Gospel message to propel you closer to God. Galatians 2:20 – I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
- Believe Satan has been cast down because he has. Revelation 12:10 – For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down. The scripture goes on to say that they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and their testimony. The blood was shed for the remission of sins—all those things you condemn yourself for. Jesus stripped power from Satan to accuse. When Jesus initiated communion he said, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” The blood of Jesus removed your sins, once and for all.
- Memorize scripture. As mentioned above, victory came to the brethren through the word of their testimony. They proclaimed what they believed. Say the verses below when you have self-condemning thoughts.
Scriptures on Self-Condemnation
- Isaiah 1:18 – Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
- Isaiah 43:25 – I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.
- Psalm 32:1-2 – Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
- I John 3:19-20 – This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence: If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.
Overcoming self-condemnation can be as simple as finding a scripture that resonates with your spirit. Cling to it like children do a favorite blanket. Over time, you won’t anguish over sins God forgave long ago. What Satan meant for evil, God used for good. Deliverance from self-condemnation opens doors to continued spiritual growth.