Loving ourselves is a challenge. We lament, and put far too much emphasis on, our faults and weaknesses. Both men, and women alike, have feelings of inadequacy due to issues like weight gain and/or the natural process of aging. Times stops for no one.
Yet, despite these negative emotions, Jesus tells us to love ourselves. He instructs us to view our bodies as sacred, to accept them with all their flaws. Our spirit, however, should be most esteemed by us. We need to celebrate that which makes us special.
What makes you special in God’s eyes? The answer is everything. He has formed you in his image, knew you before you were born. He fashioned your character as one-of-a-kind. You may excel at sports. Your personality might be kind and giving. Your ability to make others laugh out loud is a true gift... you get the picture.
Know that God has fashioned you with his unconditional love. It is his desire that you honor and embrace yourself and all your imperfections. This love is to be shared with others. If we do not love ourselves, with all our imperfections, how then can we love others?
1 John 4:7 KJV
Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
-Melanie DiLeo
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