How Will God Judge A Narcissist?

Narcissism has become an epidemic in today’s selfie-obsessed culture. But how will God judge those who are consumed by self-love and ego? This comprehensive article explores the Bible’s perspective on narcissism and God’s justice for those struggling with this condition.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: According to Scripture, narcissists will face God’s judgment for their self-worship, exploitation of others, and lack of love. However, God offers hope and healing to those willing to repent and turn from their narcissism.

What is Narcissism from a Biblical Perspective?

The Heart Issue Behind Narcissism

Narcissism at its core is a heart issue according to the Bible. Pride, self-absorption, arrogance and haughtiness are at the root of narcissistic behavior (Proverbs 16:18). The narcissist elevates themselves above others, seeking glory, acclaim and entitlement.

This flies in the face of Jesus Christ’s teaching that “everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted” (Luke 14:11). A humble, servant-hearted attitude is what Scripture asks of believers.

Idolatry: Narcissists Worship Themselves

Narcissists essentially worship themselves. By constantly seeking attention and affirmation from others for their own glory, they are engaging in idolatry.

The Bible makes clear this breaks the first great commandment: “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). Narcissists put themselves on the throne of their life rather than God.

Narcissism Goes Against Christ’s Teachings

Jesus Christ demonstrated profound humility and self-sacrifice throughout His life, death and resurrection. This stands completely opposite the self-centeredness and entitlement of narcissism.

Christ taught that the first would be last and the last would be first (Matthew 20:16). He exemplified servant leadership by washing His disciples feet (John 13:1-17). Philippians 2:3 says to “count others more significant than yourselves” – the very opposite of a narcissist’s worldview.

How Does God View Narcissistic Attitudes and Behaviors?

Exploitation and Abuse of Others

God sees the exploitation and abuse of others by narcissists as extremely egregious sins. Narcissists often manipulate, exploit and take advantage of others for their own gain and agenda with little or no regard for how it impacts their victims.

The Bible makes it clear that the oppressed and vulnerable are precious in God’s sight (Psalm 72:13). He expects us to treat others, especially the weak, with compassion and dignity, not cruelty or disdain. Exploiting others for selfish ambition is strongly condemned (Romans 2:8).

Jesus set the example of selfless servanthood and sacrifice, not domineering pride (Philippians 2:5-8). His stern warnings about harming the vulnerable indicate God takes narcissistic exploitation very seriously (Matthew 18:6).

While God offers forgiveness to repentant sinners, unrepentant narcissists who persist in exploiting others will face His judgement.

Pride and Self-Importance are Abominable Sins

The narcissist’s excessive self-focus and need for admiration reflect the sin of pride which God says He hates (Proverbs 8:13). Pride was the original sin that caused Satan’s downfall (1 Timothy 3:6). God resisteth the proud but giveth grace to the humble (James 4:6).

His word makes it abundantly clear that pride, arrogance and conceit have no place among His people. We are to esteem others above ourselves (Philippians 2:3) and be clothed in humility (Colossians 3:12).

The narcissist’s inflated sense of self-importance stands in direct defiance of God’s command that we humble ourselves under His mighty hand (1 Peter 5:6). Their preoccupation with having their ego stroked by others reveals a heart idolizing self rather than God.

He will not share His glory with another (Isaiah 42:8). God looks at the humble and contrite heart that trembles in awe at His word (Isaiah 66:2). The narcissist’s haughty spirit is an abomination in His eyes.

Lack of Empathy is Extremely Serious Before God

One of the most troubling aspects of narcissism is lack of empathy and compassion for others. God’s law instructs us to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). But the narcissist largely regards others as sources of supply rather than humans worthy of love and care.

Jesus highlighted love as the second greatest commandment (Matthew 22:39). The narcissist’s deficiency of empathy therefore violates a core biblical principle.

God designed us to reflect His image by displaying mercy and tenderness for one another (Ephesians 4:32). The narcissist’s cold indifference toward the welfare of others and lack of remorse for harm done reveals a distorted image bearing little resemblance to our compassionate Creator.

Scripture warns that judgment will be merciless to those who showed no mercy (James 2:13). God may give the unrepentant narcissist a terrifying taste of their own medicine.

Will Narcissists Repent Without Confrontation of Their Sin?

Narcissists are known for their grandiose sense of self-importance, lack of empathy, and tendency to exploit others. Their excessive pride and arrogance make it very difficult for them to admit fault or consider that they have sinned.

Generally speaking, narcissists are unlikely to experience true repentance unless confronted directly about their harmful behaviors.

There are a few key reasons why narcissists struggle to repent on their own:

Lack of Self-Awareness

Due to an inflated sense of self, narcissists often lack self-awareness about the impact of their actions. They may not even realize how much their behavior hurts others. Without outside feedback, narcissists can completely miss the need for repentance.

Avoidance of Shame

Narcissists go to great lengths to protect their grandiose self-image. Admitting failure or wrongdoing would bring them painful shame and embarrassment. To avoid this, they reflexively deny responsibility and deflect blame onto others.

Sense of Entitlement

Feeling entitled to special treatment, narcissists rationalize their transgressions. They convince themselves that the rules don’t apply to someone as important as them. This distorts their moral compass.

Lack of Empathy

One of the hallmarks of narcissism is a lack of empathy and interest in others’ needs. This emotional disconnectedness means narcissists often don’t appreciate how they’ve hurt people and why their actions require repentance.

For these reasons, narcissists rarely self-reflect enough to recognize their sins and need for repentance. External confrontation is often necessary to pierce their self-delusions. Being faced directly with the consequences of their actions makes it harder for narcissists to evade responsibility.

Even with confrontation, however, narcissists may express regret only superficially to recover social standing. Genuine remorse that produces lasting change in behavior is uncommon. Only through God’s intervention can narcissists develop true godly sorrow leading to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10).

With humility and wisdom, Christian leaders can lovingly challenge narcissists’ self- focus, point them to God’s standards, and pray for their repentance and healing.

What is God’s Solution for Someone Struggling with Narcissism?

The Good News: Christ Offers Salvation and Transformation

The good news of the gospel is that Christ came to save and transform even those struggling with narcissism (John 3:16-17). Through his death on the cross, Jesus paid the penalty for sin and opened the door for narcissists to find forgiveness, healing, and new life (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24).

By God’s grace, the selfishness and self-absorption at the core of narcissism can be cleansed and a new identity founded on being loved by God can emerge (1 John 3:1). This inner transformation is made possible by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27).

Authoritative websites like Focus on the Family and the American Bible Society highlight the hope Jesus uniquely offers to free narcissists from bondage through spiritual rebirth and renewal.

The Path of Humility and Repentance

The solution for narcissism involves walking the biblical path of humility and repentance (James 4:6-10). This means admitting the selfishness and self-worship at the core of narcissism is sin that needs confessing and forsaking by God’s power (1 John 1:9).

It also involves embracing the countercultural path of humility modeled by Christ (Philippians 2:3-8). As resources like Cru share, humility recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of others and esteems them above oneself by God’s grace.

For the narcissist, the journey of humility and repentance is gradual but transformative by the Spirit’s work (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Becoming Clothed in Christ-like Character

Ultimately, God’s solution is for the narcissist to become clothed with the character of Jesus (Romans 13:14; Galatians 3:27). As the narcissist grows in understanding God’s great love revealed through Christ’s sacrifice (Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:9-10), their identity can shift from self-love to being rooted in belovedness by God.

Love for God and others will eclipse narcissistic self-absorption (Matthew 22:37-39). Reframe Media notes that the ongoing process of sanctification by the Spirit transforms the narcissist to overflow with the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

They become less selfish and more Christlike in relating to others day by day through God’s powerful grace (2 Peter 3:18).

What Happens if a Narcissist Persists in Their Sin Before God?

The Danger of an Unrepentant Heart

Narcissists, consumed by self-love and lacking empathy for others, often persist in behaviors like arrogance, entitlement, and manipulation according to experts (Mayo Clinic). An unrepentant heart only leads to further sin and distance from God warns the Bible (Hebrews 3:12-13).

Without remorse or desire to change, the narcissist’s heart grows harder, and they become increasingly self-justifying and self-deceived about the harm they cause.

Accountability Before God’s Judgment Seat

Though they may evade justice in this life, unrepentant narcissists will ultimately face accountability before God warns Scripture (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10). Their lives and motives will undergo divine scrutiny.

Without faith in Christ granting mercy and forgiveness, they will have no defense but will answer for every careless word and deed (Matthew 12:36). The prognosis for the unrepentant narcissist’s eternity is grave indeed.

Consequences in this Life and the Next

Persisting in narcissistic behaviors often incurs consequences both presently and eternally cautions research. Studies show narcissists prone to anxiety, fragile self-esteem, and higher risk of cardiac issues and substance abuse (Mayo Clinic Proceedings).

Their arrogance and lies destroy relationships and credibility overtime. Without repentance and divine grace, their self-absorption risks excluding them from God’s kingdom warns Christ (Matthew 7:21-23). But God stands ready to forgive and transform the humble heart (Psalm 51:17).

Conclusion

In the end, Scripture makes clear that narcissism is entirely incompatible with God’s standards and Christlike character. God desires humility, other-centered love and servanthood from His followers.

While narcissists will face God’s judgment, there is hope available through repentance and faith in Christ. Our loving Creator stands ready to heal and transform even the most self-absorbed individual open to change.

By God’s grace, even narcissists can become less preoccupied with self-worship and more overflowing with Christ-like love.