Facing yourself fearlessly means loving yourself through both the good and the bad, while also holding yourself accountable. Accountability entails forgiveness, both for others and for ourselves. Most importantly, it requires authenticity. Yes, bad things may have happened and people may have wronged you, but what are you going to do now? It’s so easy to get stuck in the “victim mentality” when you are in fact...a victim.
A victim mentality is a mindset in which a person consistently perceives themselves as a victim of circumstances, feeling powerless to change their situation. This often involves blaming external factors or other people for their problems and believing that they are consistently wronged or mistreated.
But God says just because you were wronged doesn’t mean you have to dwell on it.
"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
Matthew 6:14-15
We must forgive as God forgives us.
"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord."
Romans 12:19
Trust in God's justice and timing.
I believe that dwelling on the pain of victimhood invites repeated experiences of feeling like a victim. The more you dwell on it, the more it becomes ingrained in you and affects every aspect of your life going forward. This can harm your relationship with yourself and others. Over time, you may become so accustomed to this mindset that it subconsciously influences your interactions, stemming from the initial hurt that justified your feelings.
Break free from the victim mindset. Stay so attuned to yourself that only you and God can truly understand you. You know your areas for growth, and God sees your progress. Journal and track it. How many times did you have a chance to react negatively, but chose not to? Write it down, make it clear. Even if no one else acknowledges it, JOMILLA DENAE does. Whether others recognize it yet is not your concern. Continue your inner work and let God work through you.
We are not victims. We are actively engaging in inner work and fearlessly confronting ourselves.
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