Sometimes I beat myself up over little things. I think I'm too hard on myself. What can I do?

I have good news for you! What you feel is the work of the Holy Spirit in your life letting you know when you’ve sinned and “missed the mark.” Recognizing sin in our life is a sign of spiritual growth. However, God does not intend for us to live in condemnation over our sin. (for example---being too hard on yourself) There’s a difference between repentance (feeling sorry) for your sin, and self-loathing. It’s ok to feel sorry for your sin (confession is an important part of your relationship with God), but when we mess up and get really mad at ourselves it says that we thought we were good enough to do it by ourselves to begin with.

Here’s the thing: God is perfect and demands perfection, but He wants us to rely on HIM for that holiness, not us. It’s impossible for us to achieve without Him, but because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, believers are seen as righteous in His sight. Jesus has already paid the price for our sin!

Next time you make a mistake, confess it to God, and remember that Jesus Christ already died on the cross for that sin, paying your punishment. Thank God for His forgiveness, and then ask Him for the strength to conquer that sin.