Can Narcissists Change? – Introduction

August 12, 2015 By in Biblical Perspectives On Narcissism
. A big question for those who are dealing with a narcissist / those with insolent pride is often “Is there any hope”?   They are hoping in the midst of their despair that somehow things will change.  While hope can come in different forms,  what they often mean by this is “Will this person (narcissist) ever change?”.   The short answer is …… it IS possible: .
Matthew 19:26 –And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
.
Daniel 4:37 – Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride.”
.
In the case of Nebuchadnezzar, God spent 7 years taking the proudest, most powerful person in the world and humbling him – clearly demonstrating His ability to do it.   “All things are possible with God”, and if He could humble Nebuchadnezzar, He can humble anyone.
.
God has also warned scoffers to give up their scoffing (see here on how we know that scoffers are the same as narcissists)
.
Proverbs 1:22-23
 

22 “How long, O naive ones, will you love being simple-minded? And scoffers delight themselves in scoffing And fools hate knowledge? 23 “Turn to my reproof, Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you; I will make my words known to you.

.

And in the case of the Pharisees, God warned them a half a millenium ahead of time to give up their scoffing / insolent pride (see Isiaah 28, more on this later).  He would not warn narcissists to give up their insolent pride, if it were not possible to do so.   But, of course, some will refuse to give up their insolent pride, even as God puts more and more pressure on them to do so.

 .

 It is possible for narcissists to “change”, but that does not mean that it will be automatic, quick or easy.    Back to the original question above, “is there hope”?  Yes, there is hope, and ultimately victory in situations of dealing with narcissists / those with insolent pride .  However that hope may not come in the form or timing that we would choose.
.
We will explore having hope in the midst of the struggle of dealing with narcissists as we move further ahead in our search.
The First Will Be Last book cover - a biblical perspective on narcissism by D.C. Robertsson

Go Deeper: The First Will Be Last

What does the Bible say about narcissism, and how should a believer respond? This book walks through Scripture’s case studies, the key words the Bible uses, and practical counsel for those living or working with a narcissist.

Get the Book on Amazon
Learn More

Paperback, Kindle, and audiobook. For daily encouragement, see the 30-Day Journeys devotional series.

Share