When The Mirror Speaks

When The Mirror Speaks
Article by
Praise Akalonu

Assuring Grace

Many begin their journey with God full of passion and excitement. But somewhere along the way, they hit a wall. They feel distant from God. Progress stalls. Why? Often, it’s because salvation isn’t just about being forgiven, it’s about being transformed. And transformation begins with truth, the kind of truth that shows us who we really are.

“For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.” James 1:23-25 (NKJV)

Salvation is a mirror, not a mask. When we come to Christ, we expect comfort and receive grace, love, and mercy, but God also holds up a mirror. He shows us not just what He’s done for us, but also what He wants to do in us. He reveals pride, bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, and control, among other things. These are things we often don’t want to admit that we carry. Salvation sets us free, not shames us, a freedom that begins with honesty.

“And you shall know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (NKJV)

But the truth can hurt before it heals.

Many people shut down at the point of transformation because the mirror shows them something they didn’t want to see. Instead of leaning into God’s grace, they retreat into pride, self-defence, and offence. They say, “That’s just how I am.” Or: “God wouldn’t make me feel bad about myself.” Pride, therefore, becomes the enemy of progress. But God doesn’t convict to condemn, He convicts to convert.

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18 (NKJV)

Pride hardens the heart. It keeps us from repentance. And without repentance, there can be no real progress in faith.

When we ignore what God is showing us, we stop growing. We remain stuck in cycles, hurt relationships, and shallow faith. This is the cost of ignorance. James said, “They look in the mirror and walk away, forgetting what they saw.”

It’s like seeing a wound and refusing to treat it. Spiritual stagnation is often not a result of a lack of prayer or church attendance, but rather a refusal to surrender the areas God is trying to change.

“For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:6 (NKJV)

Correction is proof that we belong to Him. If God is revealing something painful, take heart, it means He’s not giving up on you. Surrender is not weakness; it’s wisdom. Humility is not humiliation, but instead healing.

The mirror of God’s word and His Spirit doesn’t lie. It reveals what’s broken, but also what can be healed. Don’t run from the mirror. Don’t resist the change. Let God’s truth shape you, even when it cuts, because His cuts are surgical, not destructive.

Our prayer should be Lord, give us hearts that are soft to Your voice, that when You show us who we are, help us not to run in pride, but to lean into Your grace. Transform us, even when it’s hard. Because we don’t just want to be saved, we want to be changed.

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Enitan Olowe

June 29, 2025

This is very inspiring, informative and a reminder of who we are or whom we are meant to be if we are truly His. Pride goes before fall, therefore Humility, forgiveness, truth, love and integrity are our watchwords and should be demonstrated in our daily life in order to effect transformation. I thanked the Lord for your life Praise, may you continually grow in His word and bring change to humanity both saved and unsaved. More grace and anointing in Yeshua’s Jesus name. A big thank you to Pastor Grace, a good mentor to her children and to the body of Christ as a whole.

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Beryl Hooper

June 29, 2025

Amen!

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Ihuoma Kathleen Ukpabi

June 29, 2025

Beautiful word. Shows great understanding of the word. You are right Praise. The day we surrender to Christ we get saved but Christ is not yet formed in us but that is His goal. Jn 8:31 - if we continue in His word - the mirror, removing the unChristlikeness in us we observe and adding the Christlikeness in His word, we are made to become like Him. Like you explained, it requires humility, it requires understanding because some of us imagine that that one encounter of the new birth made us like Christ - NO! It is only our matriculation, the day we got enrolled into His school of discipleship. Thank you sweetie. God is turning you into a great teacher of His word and it is great that He is doing it from your youth! You are a treasure to your generation!!!! More grace to you.

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Linda Tatenda Kudhlande

June 29, 2025

This is so powerful. God reveals things for us to change and work in them

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Uchechi Isaac Ativie

June 30, 2025

God bless you and may ELOHIM always gives you more bountiful grace to always make us reflect on our life. Am blessed, God bless you in abundance Amen.

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Melody

June 30, 2025

Yes indeed, thank You LORD JESUS CHRIST 🙏 Such a powerful article indeed. GOD'S corrections (cuts) are surgical and not destructive!

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Clara M

June 30, 2025

Refreshing to read - thank you! “ It’s like seeing a wound and refusing to treat it.” Hmm. Cutting truth.. God bless you beloved Praise

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June 30, 2025

Amen and amen. May the Lord remove everything that needs to be removed that is not right in us. We want to be changed and we give Him right of way to transform us into the vessels He wants and needs us to be in Yeshua’s Name, Amen

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June 30, 2025

May more Grace be multiplied unto to you Sister Praise and may the Lord continue to use you mightily for His Glory in Yeshua’s Name, Amen

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Evangelist Veronica

June 30, 2025

This is beautiful. I can hear you speaking through the writing. Great things are here to glorify God.

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Su-shan Cheung

June 30, 2025

Amen and Amen. May the Lord transform us so we and remove everything that needs to be removed. We thank the Lord for not giving up on us and may He continually discipline us for His Glory. Let us not remain the same no matter how hard it is but may saints give Him right of way in Yeshua’s Name, Amen. May more Grace be multiplied unto you Sister Praise and may He continue to use you mightily for His Glory in Yeshua’s Name, Amen

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Pastor Sizeni Halfacre

June 30, 2025

Woooow, amazingtruth. Lord, I don't want to put on a face mask, but I want to see You in me as my reflection as I look into that mirror. Halleluia

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Joana Pankah

June 30, 2025

Great piece. When the Holy Spirit convicts, we need to open up completely in order to absorb all the corrections, rebukings and admonitions.

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Pastor Pat Chidakwa

June 30, 2025

That's true! Life transforming teaching indeed

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Teacher Akwasi

June 30, 2025

Awesome! So edifying. Also food for thought for both young and mature believers that Elohim is with us always.

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Pastor Seema Kale

June 30, 2025

Awesome message! Sharing with all and also translating it into Hindi. बहुत से लोग जोश और उत्साह से भरे हुए परमेश्वर के साथ अपनी यात्रा शुरू करते हैं। लेकिन रास्ते में कहीं न कहीं वे एक दीवार से टकराते हैं। वे परमेश्वर से दूर महसूस करते हैं। प्रगति रुक जाती है। क्यों? अक्सर, ऐसा इसलिए होता है क्योंकि उद्धार केवल क्षमा किए जाने के बारे में नहीं है, यह रूपांतरित होने के बारे में है। और परिवर्तन सत्य से शुरू होता है, वह सत्य जो हमें दिखाता है कि हम वास्तव में कौन हैं। क्योंकि यदि कोई वचन का सुननेवाला हो और करनेवाला न हो, तो वह उस मनुष्य के समान है जो अपना स्वाभाविक मुख दर्पण में देखता है; क्योंकि वह अपने आप को देखकर चला जाता है, और तुरन्त भूल जाता है कि वह कैसा मनुष्य था। परन्तु जो स्वतंत्रता की सिद्ध व्यवस्था पर ध्यान करता है और उस पर बना रहता है, और सुननेवाला नहीं परन्तु काम करनेवाला होता है, वह अपने काम में धन्य होगा।” याकूब 1:23-25 (NKJV) उद्धार एक दर्पण है, मुखौटा नहीं। जब हम मसीह के पास आते हैं, तो हम आराम की अपेक्षा करते हैं और अनुग्रह, प्रेम और दया प्राप्त करते हैं, लेकिन परमेश्वर भी एक दर्पण दिखाता है। वह हमें न केवल यह दिखाता है कि उसने हमारे लिए क्या किया है, बल्कि यह भी कि वह हमारे लिए क्या करना चाहता है। वह अन्य बातों के अलावा अभिमान, कड़वाहट, क्षमा न करना, ईर्ष्या और नियंत्रण को प्रकट करता है। ये ऐसी चीजें हैं जिन्हें हम अक्सर स्वीकार नहीं करना चाहते हैं कि हम अपने अंदर हैं। उद्धार हमें मुक्त करता है, हमें शर्मिंदा नहीं करता, एक ऐसी स्वतंत्रता जो ईमानदारी से शुरू होती है। और तुम सत्य को जानोगे, और सत्य तुम्हें स्वतंत्र करेगा।” यूहन्ना 8:32 (NKJV) लेकिन सत्य ठीक होने से पहले चोट पहुँचा सकता है। कई लोग परिवर्तन के बिंदु पर बंद हो जाते हैं क्योंकि दर्पण उन्हें कुछ ऐसा दिखाता है जो वे नहीं देखना चाहते थे। ईश्वर की कृपा पर भरोसा करने के बजाय, वे अभिमान, आत्मरक्षा और अपराध में पीछे हट जाते हैं। वे कहते हैं, "मैं बस ऐसा ही हूँ।" या: "ईश्वर मुझे अपने बारे में बुरा महसूस नहीं कराएगा।" इसलिए, अभिमान प्रगति का दुश्मन बन जाता है। लेकिन ईश्वर निंदा करने के लिए दोषी नहीं ठहराता, वह धर्म परिवर्तन करने के लिए दोषी ठहराता है। "विनाश से पहले अभिमान आता है, पतन से पहले अभिमान।" नीतिवचन 16:18 (NKJV) घमंड दिल को कठोर बनाता है। यह हमें पश्चाताप से दूर रखता है। और पश्चाताप के बिना, विश्वास में कोई वास्तविक प्रगति नहीं हो सकती। जब हम परमेश्वर द्वारा दिखाए जा रहे चीज़ों को अनदेखा करते हैं, तो हम बढ़ना बंद कर देते हैं। हम चक्रों, चोटिल रिश्तों और उथले विश्वास में फंसे रहते हैं। यह अज्ञानता की कीमत है। जेम्स ने कहा, "वे आईने में देखते हैं और चले जाते हैं, जो उन्होंने देखा उसे भूल जाते हैं।" यह घाव को देखने और उसका इलाज करने से इनकार करने जैसा है। आध्यात्मिक ठहराव अक्सर प्रार्थना या चर्च में उपस्थिति की कमी का परिणाम नहीं होता है, बल्कि उन क्षेत्रों को आत्मसमर्पण करने से इनकार करना होता है जिन्हें परमेश्वर बदलने की कोशिश कर रहा है। "क्योंकि प्रभु जिससे प्रेम करता है, उसे ताड़ना देता है, और जिस किसी पुत्र को ग्रहण करता है, उसे कोड़े भी मारता है।" इब्रानियों 12:6 (NKJV) सुधार इस बात का प्रमाण है कि हम उसके हैं। यदि परमेश्वर कुछ दर्दनाक प्रकट कर रहा है, तो हिम्मत रखें, इसका मतलब है कि वह आपको छोड़ नहीं रहा है। समर्पण कमज़ोरी नहीं है; यह बुद्धिमत्ता है। विनम्रता अपमान नहीं है, बल्कि उपचार है। परमेश्वर के वचन और उसकी आत्मा का दर्पण झूठ नहीं बोलता। यह बताता है कि क्या टूटा हुआ है, लेकिन यह भी कि क्या ठीक किया जा सकता है। दर्पण से भागो मत। परिवर्तन का विरोध मत करो। परमेश्वर के सत्य को तुम्हें आकार देने दो, भले ही वह तुम्हें काटता हो, क्योंकि उसके कट सर्जिकल हैं, विनाशकारी नहीं। हमारी प्रार्थना होनी चाहिए कि हे प्रभु, हमें ऐसे हृदय दो जो तुम्हारी आवाज़ के प्रति कोमल हों, कि जब तुम हमें दिखाओ कि हम कौन हैं, तो हमें घमंड में न भागने में मदद करो, बल्कि तुम्हारी कृपा में झुकने में मदद करो। हमें बदल दो, भले ही यह कठिन हो। क्योंकि हम केवल बचना नहीं चाहते, हम बदलना चाहते हैं।

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Lindiwe Tshabalala

June 30, 2025

Wow! What a word in season.I thank God for confirming His Word, yesterday in the assembly, was sharing about John 8: 36. The liberation we received from our LORD, Jesus when we are regenerated .2Corinthians 3: 17 Now the LORD is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the LORD is, there is liberty. #We are one in Spirit, Hallelujah Thank you so much sister Praise for this powerful ministration.May the LORD continue to give you more revelation and increase you with His Knowledge . Grace in abundance beloved

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Dupe Adefala

June 30, 2025

Thanks for the transforming truth! From the first sentence to the end, truth is proclaimed and response demanded. Thank you for listening, receiving and sharing. May the eternal impact of this truth be greater in every heart that reads it. May we not be dull of hearing truth!

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Uzo Ekeogu

June 30, 2025

A powerful reminder that true transformation requires to remain even when remaining is uncomfortable.

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Ann Watson

June 30, 2025

Amen, it takes transformation of the mind, heart and life to be able to change and come in agreement with what God reveals to us when we desire the truth of His Word that comes to makes us free.

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Ann Watson

June 30, 2025

Amen transformation is necessary in order to be changed. The Word of God is our mirror that comes to reveal the condition of our heart, mind and life. If we hunger after righteousness we will allow the Word to set us free.

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Helen Fashe

June 30, 2025

A thought provoking message written from the heart. This is a message and prayer for us all: "Lord, give us hearts that are soft to Your voice, that when You show us who we are, help us not to run in pride, but to lean into Your grace. Transform us, even when it’s hard. Because we don’t just want to be saved, we want to be changed." Amen & Amen!!!

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Hazel

June 30, 2025

What a timely word,one which I am in need of in this season as I am feeling stuck in my walk and I couldn't quite pin point what was going on.This is definitely spot on and enlightening.Thank you for sharing this,it has opened my eyes.

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Virginia

July 01, 2025

Lord soften our hearts so we are transformed and become all you want to be🙌

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Nobert Ekeogu

July 01, 2025

Amen & Amen! Glory to GOD. More grace to you Sister Praise . What a deep & powerful Word!

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Becky

July 07, 2025
This is beautiful. I can hear you speaking through the writing. Great things are here to glorify God.

Awesome article, Minister Praise! Truly thought-provoking so that we dive into deep reflection on our personal growth and relationship with the Lord

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Aderonke

July 07, 2025

Great inspiration! More Grace ma.

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