CUP OF COMFORT: Condemnation from Whom?

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.”

Romans 8:1

• The chants started when she got on the school bus, then fol- lowed her into the school and onto the playground. “Fatty, fatty, two-by-four . . .” I hated that teasing of my best childhood friend. How I wanted to protect her from all harm; I just didn’t have the ability. As I grew older, life tumbled in with all its injustice and injury, now directed at me. I began to insulate myself from the hurts of life, but the pain stayed, even when I shut the door of my heart. I finally began paying attention to what I was telling myself: “Why didn’t you . . . You should have . . . If only you had . . .” I discovered I was the one causing myself pain. As a child I couldn’t stop comments that hurt my friend. But as an adult, I have more power: I can refuse to listen to the voice of self- condemnation. I can love my neighbor—and I can love myself—with the love Christ gives me.

#cupofcomfort #inspiration