Week 1: Self Pity
January 6, 2024

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-11

Self-Pity
Family – Personality Type – Life Experiences

After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, which is called in Hebrew, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of sick people, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water.
John 5:1-3

For an angel went down at a certain time into the pool and stirred up the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the stirring of the water, was made well of whatever disease he had. Now a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years.
John 5:4-5

When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?”
John 5:6

The sick man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” And immediately the man was made well, took up his bed, and walked.
John 5:7-9

Jesus Pushed Through His Self-Pity

Rise – Spirit

Take Your Bed – Soul
Make A Decision

Walk – Body

Negative Effects of Self-Pity
Wastes Time
Takes A Lot Of Mental Energy
Leads To More Negative Emotions
It Can Become A Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
It Prevents Us From Dealing With Other Emotions
It Causes Us To Overlook The Good In Life
It Interferes With Relationships

Self-Pity Starts with Believing the Lie of The Enemy

“My Problems Are Worse Than Anyone Else’s.”

The Self-Talk of Self-Pity
“I Can’t Handle One More Problem”
“Good Things Always Happen to Everyone Else”
“Bad Things Always Happen to Me”
“My Life Just keeps Getting Worse”
“No One Else Has to Deal with This Stuff”
“I’m The Only One”
“I Just Can’t Catch a Break”

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.
Proverbs 18:21 AMP

1. Living In Self-pity Hinders Your Faith and Robs You of Hope

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
Hebrews 11:6

You’re Not Pitiful, You’re Powerful

2. Attitude Is Everything Even When You Can’t Alter Your Circumstance, You Can Alter Your Attitude
Jeremiah Denton U.S. Naval Aviator
Vietnam War P.O.W. From 1965-1973

“We are honored to have had the opportunity to serve our country under difficult circumstances. We are profoundly grateful to our Commander and Chief and to our nation this day. God Bless American”

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Philippians 4:11-13 NIV

3. Attitude of Gratitude is The Greatest Remedy For Self-Pity
Simply Being Grateful

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
Psalms 107:1-3

Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
Psalms 95:2

Gratitude Keeps You Healthy
Gratitude Leads To Positive Emotions
Gratitude Improves Relationships
Gratitude Keeps Faith and Hope Alive