Today : Love Yourself
TODAY’S VERSE
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:39 (NIV)
TODAY’S THOUGHT
The first part of this passage is about loving God with our whole heart, soul and strength. The second part was to love others in the way we love ourself. I understand the “love God” part. I know we are commanded to “love others”, but isn’t “loving ourself” prideful and selfish? Some would teach so, but in truth it is in loving ourself the way God loves us that frees us to love others. Dr. Benner in “Sacred Companions” says it this way, “I meditate on His love, allowing my focus to be on Him and His love for me – and slowly things begin to change. My heart slowly begins to warm and soften. I begin to experience new levels of love for God. And slowly, almost imperceptibly, I begin to see others through God’s eyes of love. I begin to experience God’s love for others.” Consider how much God loves you. Shouldn’t you agree with Him and love yourself too? Shouldn’t this help you love others? Today, love God, love yourself, love others.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Father, thank You for Your great love for me. Help me love myself and with that love, help me love others.
AMEN
TODAY’S AFFIRMATION & MEDITATION
I am free to love myself
Today, do an internal scan and listen for objection to the questions I ask. As you observe yourself, do you love the way you look? As you sense your intelligence, do you love the way you think and comprehend things? As you see your popularity, do you love the way you are socially? As you see your status and wealth, do you love your place in the world? When left to our own programmed judgments, it is difficult to love ourself. However, see Jesus come by and look at yourself through His eyes. Feel the love He has for you. Sense His acceptance of you and the pride He has in you as His beloved child. As you do, feel your heart warm up to loving yourself. Hear Jesus say, “Love yourself in the way I love you!”