“Love yourself” is a command we often break.
When we make a mistake, we speak down to ourselves and are harder on ourselves than anyone else. We call ourselves names and doubt every promise God has given. We condemn ourselves for sins God has long erased, seeing ourselves as the person in the past, not the new creature God has created. If others saw how we treat ourselves, I am sure they’d pass on that kind of love.
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” As I read this verse, I prayed that I would love my family as I love myself. But then God showed me the love I give myself, and I wasn’t sure I wanted that same love for others.
God wants us to see ourselves as He does. Our view changes when we see ourselves as forgiven, loved unconditionally by God, and made into new creatures with the power of the Holy Spirit. This view brings a new love of self.
Flight instructors tell us that if an emergency arises, we should put our masks on first before we help others. We can’t help them if we gasp for air. Similarly, we can’t adequately love those around us if we don’t love ourselves.
Reflecting on our self-thoughts and writing a few words describing how we see ourselves is a good practice. Next, we should reflect on how God sees us if they aren’t positive. Then we can cross out the negative words and replace them with God’s loving words.
How can you replace the Enemy’s negative self-talk with positive Scripture?
(photo courtesy of pixabay.com.)
(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)
Jessica Hardick is a writer.