Beware of self-pity. It will only grow toxic fruit in your life. Self-pity is self-centered. It cares not about others. It only thinks of itself. Self-pity never changes anything. It refuses to work, sitting alone with nothing but bitter thoughts. Self-pity has few friends, because it only wants to talk about itself.
Self-pity is critical of others. It says, "they have never done anything for me." Self-pity wants everything and everyone to revolve around it. Those who don't are rejected with words of fierce criticism. People tend to quietly and quickly withdraw from self-pity.
There is a way out of self-pity. It requires a cross. Self-pity must die, that new life may come forth. Self-pity dies hard. At the cross of Jesus, self-pity is crucified. "I am crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me" (Galatians 2:20). There is no self-pity in Christ. Ego dies to self-pity. Christ brings new life, free from self-pity.
All believers may have temporary attacks of self-pity. In those times, flee to the cross of Jesus. Thoughts and emotions of self-pity must go to the cross. Christ lives in you. He causes you to see the needs of others. He uses you to minister to others. As you do, He ministers to your need. "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).
