For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your
neighbor as yourself.”
Galatians 5:14
I
want to put a little different slant on today’s scripture that is not usually
emphasized, and that is, if you do not love yourself you cannot love
others. So many of us who were not
adequately validated by others do not have a good self image of our worth, and
that makes it hard on all our relationships. Today I want to help us all renew
ourselves in body and soul, which are really tied together.
First,
list three things that you really like about yourself. It could be some physical characteristic, but
could also be behavior, attitude, habits, or whatever. Be honest. There is
always something good you can find! It could also be legs that work, fingers
that can button clothes, stamina to clean the house or any of a multitude of
things that make you, you. It might even be ears that can hear the happy sound
of a child laughing.
Then
list three things that you would like to improve. Be honest, but not brutal. Again, a physical
trait, behavior, attitude, knowledge, or anything at all. At this time of year
it usually has to do with our weight and physical conditioning. (I suspect that
most of our New Year’s resolutions have already gone out the window!)
Next
make a plan to use to accomplish your goals. Make it reasonable and not so hard
that it is discouraging. Go for little
steps. It might be just a sticky note on your car visor to remind you to smile
at people you meet that day. Little changes over time will probably be more
lasting, and give you the most satisfaction.
Then,
ask God to help you be the person He wants you to be; not the magazine cover
ideal that no one can ever achieve. This will make you much more useful to the
Lord and give you more worth in your own eyes.
Lord, somewhere along the way at times I have lost where my own value
lies. Help me to value myself as you
value me. Help me realize who I am in You. Amen.
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