Love Thy Self
“Love thy neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). This central biblical commandment emphasizes that we should treat others with the same care, respect, and concern that we naturally extend to ourselves. We focus so often on loving our neighbor as ourselves, but do we love ourselves? Do we think of ourselves as being as valuable as our neighbor?
I remember many years ago, a friend asked me, “Gail, have you ever looked in the mirror and saw the awesomeness of God’s creation in how He formed you?” And I answered, “No.” So, when I stepped out of the shower this morning and saw my reflection in the mirror, I had to ask myself, ‘Do I value myself as I value my neighbor?’ To some that is a silly question! But sometimes we forget that according to scripture, “WE ARE FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE” (Psalm 139:14). We are intricate and purposeful designs by God that reflects both our complexity and inherent values.
Yes, we are to love others as we love ourselves, but I have a few questions for you. How are you loving yourself? Do you like who you are, and are you taking care of that person in the mirror? It’s easy to minister to others, but are you ministering to yourself? Do you love yourself enough to give yourself grace when you fall, or to allow yourself to rest when you are weary? Do you schedule time in the day for self-care? Do you love yourself as the unique person that God loves?
“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. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:13-16).
I remember many years ago, a friend asked me, “Gail, have you ever looked in the mirror and saw the awesomeness of God’s creation in how He formed you?” And I answered, “No.” So, when I stepped out of the shower this morning and saw my reflection in the mirror, I had to ask myself, ‘Do I value myself as I value my neighbor?’ To some that is a silly question! But sometimes we forget that according to scripture, “WE ARE FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE” (Psalm 139:14). We are intricate and purposeful designs by God that reflects both our complexity and inherent values.
Yes, we are to love others as we love ourselves, but I have a few questions for you. How are you loving yourself? Do you like who you are, and are you taking care of that person in the mirror? It’s easy to minister to others, but are you ministering to yourself? Do you love yourself enough to give yourself grace when you fall, or to allow yourself to rest when you are weary? Do you schedule time in the day for self-care? Do you love yourself as the unique person that God loves?
“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. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:13-16).