John 13:38: Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!”
Peter did not fully understand himself or how he would respond to Jesus’ crucifixion. He overestimated his own courage and devotion. Jesus, however, knew Peter’s limits even when Peter could not see them.
What about us? How would we rate our faith and dedication to following Jesus? How well do we truly know ourselves?
Self-knowledge helps us grow in our understanding of God. God gives us what we need to examine ourselves honestly: the mirror of reflection, the guidance of his Word, and the courage to compare our actions with his standards. The more truthfully we understand ourselves, the more deeply we can understand God’s mercy, patience, and grace.
Several things can keep us from knowing ourselves clearly:
- Fear of seeing what is truly in our hearts.
- Busyness that leaves little room for prayerful reflection.
- Distractions that keep our attention fixed on everything except our own spiritual condition.
- Excessive self-focus that prevents us from receiving helpful insight from others.
- Neglecting God’s Word or refusing to let it speak honestly into our lives.
- Judging or criticizing others to avoid facing ourselves.
The good news is that God knows us better than we know ourselves. Jesus knew Peter completely, including his weakness and failure. In the same way, God lovingly reveals what we fail to see in ourselves.
He gives us his law for honest self-examination, not to drive us away from him, but to lead us to grace. As we grow in self-knowledge, our need to judge others decreases. We begin to see our own need for mercy, and we come to understand more clearly the grace of God.
God loves us where we are, even with our shortcomings. Through his grace, we can come to know ourselves more truthfully and know him more deeply.
