Reflect, Resonate, Reevaluate, Respond
You must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool…. I’m talking about a specific, extra type of integrity that is not lying, but bending over backwards to show how you’re maybe wrong.
~ Richard Feynman, 1918-1988, Theoretical Physicist
The problem we have with forgiveness does not have to do with forgetting the past. Rather, our problem with forgiveness is our strong resistance to viewing ourselves accurately.
~ Larry Barber, Counseling Psychology, article Forgiveness Gutenberg College
Growth in grace is growth downward. It is the forming of a lower estimate of ourselves. It is a deepening realization of our nothingness. It is a heartfelt recognition that we are not worthy of the least of God’s mercies.
~ AW Pink, 1886-1952, English Bible Teacher
For too long, we have maintained a confidence in the power of God’s Word by pretending that things aren’t as bad as they are and that God’s call to love means something less than He intended. If we find the power to keep our relationships pleasant and our personal lives disciplined, then we congratulate ourselves for our maturity.
~ Lawrence J. Crabb, 1944-2021, from forward of Bold Love
But the man who is not afraid to admit everything that he sees to be wrong with himself, and yet recognizes that he may be the object of God’s love precisely because of his shortcomings, can begin to be sincere. His sincerity is based on confidence, not in his own illusions about himself, but in the endless, unfailing mercy of God.
~ Thomas Merton, 1915-1968, Trappist monk, theologian
If I crave happiness, I will receive misery. If I crave to be loved, I will receive rejection. If I crave significance, I will receive futility. If I crave control, I will receive chaos. If I crave reputation, I will receive humiliation. But if I long for God and His wisdom and mercy, I will receive God and wisdom and mercy. Along the way, sooner or later, I will also receive happiness, love, meaning, order, and glory.
~ David Powlison, from Seeing With New Eyes, 1949-2019, Teacher/Counselor