"...Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."--Matthew 22:39 (KJV)
Have you ever considered the connection between how we love others and how we love ourselves? It is a biblical truth that may be worth introspection and and contemplation. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus ministers on love. It is a foundational principle that encompasses every aspect of life--the way in which we relate to God, others, and ourselves. It beckons us to consider, if we are to love others as we love ourselves, how are we doing in the area of self-love?
The concept of self-love may be challenging for some, particularly those who have endured abuse, neglect, rejection, or abandonment. These experiences often send a message that one is not loved or is not lovable, which in turn often dictate the way in which we care for self. Thereby rendering self-love seemingly elusive and unachievable. This erroneous thinking can become the root of harmful and negative behaviors, choices, and decisions.
If you are struggling in the area of self-love, may I encourage you with the word of God? God is love (I John 4:7-8). He has loved us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). He so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son (John 3:16). This love is unconditional and eternal. God does not rescind his love. It never ceases (Lamentations 3:22-23). May we lean into these scriptures and receive the love of God. In so doing, it will enable us to walk in self-love.
The concept of self-love may be challenging for some, particularly those who have endured abuse, neglect, rejection, or abandonment. These experiences often send a message that one is not loved or is not lovable, which in turn often dictate the way in which we care for self. Thereby rendering self-love seemingly elusive and unachievable. This erroneous thinking can become the root of harmful and negative behaviors, choices, and decisions.
If you are struggling in the area of self-love, may I encourage you with the word of God? God is love (I John 4:7-8). He has loved us with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). He so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son (John 3:16). This love is unconditional and eternal. God does not rescind his love. It never ceases (Lamentations 3:22-23). May we lean into these scriptures and receive the love of God. In so doing, it will enable us to walk in self-love.
Prayer
Father, in the name of Jesus, we thank you for your Word. We thank you for your love. Although it may be challenging for us to fully understand the depth of your love, we receive it by faith. We pray that you would renew our minds and uproot false and erroneous thinking that has been seeded by negative experiences that have wounded our souls and brought great distress to our lives. We pray for your healing now. Give us the grace to make the volitional decision to practice self-love as we receive your love that is shed abroad in our hearts. In Jesus' name, Amen.
