How can a Person love themselves?
Hi, happy 2nd half of the year. It’s a miracle that we can breathe so I give thanks to God for his goodness and mercy. The Lord who by his grace gives everyone life and breath and everything. Yes, everything needed to live and be fruitful is in you. Embedded in creation and no one can take away. Truth the world tries so hard to conceal but cannot. As a person once blind to the truth, I was an avid advocate of “self-love”. Yet, I questioned my inmost being. I write on this because I lived by culture’s perception and not of truth. So, here is how a person can grow to love themselves.
Who is Love
My past definition of self-love was to place the needs of oneself above others. Now, there is nothing wrong in prioritizing physical, emotional, and psychological health. I encourage you to do so. To live whatever way that is right, pure, lovely, and brings peace. As you know, peace and joy is vital in this fallen world. But an outward expression of self-love without appreciation of your inmost being is fear. The hidden fear of self image, worthlessness, and self doubt. How could i’ve loved myself when I questioned every part of me. My hope is that my writing brings you delight and insight. On how a person can better love themselves.
Through the light of love. “He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and love your neighbor as yourself’ ” Luke 10:27. Complete wholeness is known in a relationship with God. Who is love. Also, since we are created in the image and likeness of God. It means we were made in reflection of love. Not of culture, people, and societal way of life. When we look up to God, we are one in him. But If we look unto others or things, we fall short to imperfect expression of love. For the only perfect one is Christ.
Love is patient, love is kind. It doesn’t envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It doesn’t dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1st Corinthians 13:4-7
The Perfect One
A great example is Jesus. Dying for all in humility and service, not select few but all. We are not perfect but like I said, we are made in the image and likeness of God. So, by grace we get to share in His holiness. “Self-love” is found in Christ. Some situations might be difficult. But, that’s when the Power and Spirit of God magnifies. If you align your life with God, you overflow with the spirit of love. Which pours out to others around you. Living with one another in kindness and truth.
Also, for a person to love themselves they have to know their inmost being. “The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being” Proverbs 20:27. The lamp that lights our life is the Holy Spirit. With the spirit of love, joy, and peace. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” Psalm 139: 13-14. You are unique and wonderfully made! There is only one of you in the whole world. But when ignorant of the power within, we accept the world’s view. Please, do not conform to the things of the world. It distracts and robs. Only accept the truth spoken over you by God! If you desire to know, seek the light and path of wisdom.
Truth that Never Fails
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” John 13:33. I like to emphasize “As I have loved you”. Begin by receiving the grace offered. Most people live day to day without the knowledge of this gracious gift. It requires nothing in return from you. But offers fullness of life and abundance of heart. Knowing the truth does set you free.
Also, know that true love never fails. It’s unconditional and never gives up on you. Doesn’t condemn but saves. Do you feel broken? Do you feel unloved? Know that the cross represents God’s love for you. Look unto Christ as your focus. The choice is yours to believe and delight in his presence. When you love God with all your heart and strength, every strongholds begins to break. Simply put, let the unconditional love of God guide your life. I pray your hearts are open to true life found in Jesus Christ 🙏🏾. Stay blessed.