» I Timothy 1:5 Biblical Perspectives On Narcissism

One reason dealing with Narcissists is tricky is that they do not play honestly. They readily employ deception to accomplish their purposes.

A Narcissist hates anything or anyone that gets in the way of their “glory”. (Yes, hate is a strong word, but if you consider things on a spectrum of love vs. hate, they are on the hate side of the spectrum.) While they may respond with an immediate full frontal assault, they might also keep their feelings hidden until such time that they can do the most damage. They will try to disguise their hatred with their lips, by speaking graciously even while they hate you in their heart. But don’t believe them. They still fully intend to “trash” you (Proverbs 9:7 – “he who corrects a scoffer gets dishonor for himself”), or undermine you – they’re just waiting for a better time or opportunity. Continue reading →

1 Timothy 1:5

⁵But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

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In the middle of our struggles with the N in our lives, we are typically focused on simply surviving the situation. It seems incredible to think in terms of thriving. And even more incredible to think in terms of moving past bitterness toward becoming a more loving person ourselves – not just toward the N, but people in general.

However, God in His goodness toward us is intending to use our struggle to actually build in us a greater capability and capacity for love. As heaven is a world of love, this capacity for love is not just for this world, but also for the one to come (heaven). A greater capacity for love is not equivalent to being more of a doormat for your N, but is instead a broad-based foundation for a more meaningful and fruitful life in all its aspects.

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