The Trap of Self-Pity

When man-made tragedies befall us, it is natural for us to pity ourselves, lamenting on how God, others and structural evils have victimised us. Self-pity becomes a mechanism for us to survive emotionally. We need to point our finger at someone or something else as the culprit of the tragedy lest we carry the blame ourselves and the pain that comes along with it.

Self-pity is poisonous and fatal. When we pity ourselves and put the blame on others (even if others are at fault), we are slowly consumed by bitterness and anger, finding it hard to release forgiveness and love to others, especially to those who have victimised us.

Pity ourselves no longer! There are many out there who are suffering from greater injustice and oppression, and there seems to be no chance or choice for them to escape from such predicament. Worse still, their children and the future generations will face the same cyclical fate without much hope of escape.

Pity ourselves no longer! Draw the strength of contentment as we recognise how blessed we actually are, and how little suffering we are enduring. Draw the strength of gratitude as we acknowledge that no matter what happens to us, no matter how others fail or disappoint us, God never leaves us nor forsakes us.

Be very strong and stop falling into the trap of self-pity. Let joy, love and laughter re-consume our lives once again.