Can God change a narcissist? Yes, God can change a narcissist man or woman, but it still requires the individual’s willingness to change and be turn a new leaf. They need to recognize and address their behaviors. Therefore, while God can provide guidance and strength, the change ultimately depends on the narcissist’s efforts and commitment to the process.
In this blog post, I’ll highlight the features of narcissism and how it can potentially be changed with the help of God. Learn more about the biblical perspective on Narcissism.
Table of Contents
Understanding Narcissism
Narcissism is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a constant need for attention and admiration, and a lack of empathy towards others. Individuals with narcissistic traits often have difficulty maintaining healthy relationships.
One biblical example of a narcissistic person was Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon in the Old Testament. He was consumed by his power and pride, leading to consequences from God (Daniel 4:28-37). This serves as a reminder that even influential individuals can fall prey to narcissistic tendencies.
How Can God Change A Narcissist?
From a biblical perspective, God’s role in changing a narcissist is multifaceted.
One of the key ways God can influence change is through the conviction of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit works in the individual, revealing the truth about their behaviors and attitudes (John 16:8).
This revelation can make a narcissist recognize their harmful traits and seek the help of God to change their ways.
Moreover, the Bible emphasizes the transformative power of God’s love and grace. This divine love is shown through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. And they are traits that directly counteract narcissistic tendencies.
True repentance is another step towards change. It involves acknowledging wrongdoing, feeling remorse, and actively committing to change (Acts 3:19).
In the context of narcissism, this can be challenging.
When a narcissist admits their harmful behaviors and attitudes, they begin to break through the self-deception that often characterizes narcissism. As I mentioned, if they allow the Holy Spirit to work in them, they’ll start to see changes in their life and behavior.
It’s not news that the Bible is replete with stories of how God changed the identities people were associated with.
As the narcissist genuinely repents, they open themselves to God’s grace. This grace forgives, heals, and empowers individuals to live more empathetic and loving lives.
It’s essential to note that this change is a journey that takes time and patience.
The Role of the Narcissist
The role of the narcissist in their transformation is crucial. Here are some key steps:
- Acknowledgment: First and foremost, the narcissist must acknowledge their destructive behaviors and the harm they are causing to themselves and others. This is often the most challenging step, as those with narcissistic traits often struggle to accept responsibility for their actions. However, it is essential for progress and healing.
- Seeking Help: The narcissist must be willing to seek help, often in the form of therapy or counseling. Therapy can provide valuable tools and strategies for managing narcissistic traits and repairing damaged relationships.
- Prayer and Surrender: The narcissist must sincerely pray and surrender their will to God. This submission can help open their hearts to the transformative power of God’s love, fostering a sense of empathy and compassion towards others.
- Practice Empathy: The narcissist must actively work on developing empathy. This can be done through various exercises, such as understanding others’ perspectives or imagining how others might feel in a given situation.
Change is not a one-time event but a process that requires ongoing effort and commitment. The narcissist must be prepared to continually monitor their behaviors and attitudes, making necessary adjustments along the way.
Remember, it is not easy to change narcissistic behaviors. It requires a significant amount of effort, patience, and often professional help. However, with God’s grace and the individual’s commitment, it is indeed possible to achieve significant positive change.
