My self-confidence is in the pits.
Where’s my Chispa – that spark of hope that compels me to live a vibrant life?
What vibrant life?
Did I ever matter?
Does anyone even notice me?
Have you ever asked yourself these questions? For most of us I would guess the answer is yes. Some won’t ask about living a vibrant life because they don’t even know it’s possible. If that’s you, or if you’ve forgotten, I encourage you to read the first article in this series, Fall in Love Again, Remember Why You Started. It’s about you and God – His love for you and your love for Him.
Mind Your Own Love is about loving yourself – owning your rightful place in God’s plan so that you can be about the business of life. It must be important to God because it’s in the second commandment: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt 22:39 NKJV)
What the Bible Says
What does self-love look like? Let’s start with a few verses that speak to our worth…
- She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. (Proverbs 31:25)
- For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Tim 1:7)
- But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)
I invite you to spend some time meditating on these verses and look up others. Discover the verse that speaks to you right now – in your current circumstance. Let His Word be your truth about who you are – not the negative voices in your head or what others have said. Allow the Word to bathe you in God’s amazing love for you and His purposes for your life.
Self-Love – A Call to Action
Self-love happens when we take ownership of who we were created to be – as is – straight from the Creator – uniquely designed and purposed. It grows however, from the actions we take to support our body, mind and spiritual growth. Self-love is not passive.
Perhaps, like me, you were taught to be self-less – always focused on the needs of others. We learned that to love others requires some action on our part. But what about the “as you love yourself” part of God’s instruction? Consider reading 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. It’s not just a definition of love, it’s packed with action steps-to-take.
How to Mind Your Own Love
With all the don’t-be-selfish instructions we may have received over the years, loving yourself may not be that easy. What if you were to begin with this…
- Own this truth: You matter; God said so. Your uniqueness was part of God’s plan. He thought you were a great idea. Believe it!
- Let go of feelings that keep you stuck in place. Focus on what you need – not what you want.
- Forgive yourself – God already has.
- Say no to anything that contradicts God’s plan for your life.
- Surround yourself with those that will support and encourage you.
- Be intentional. Do something about your personal growth. Prayerfully ask the Lord to prioritize your activities. It took a lifetime to bring you to this place and time – be gentle with yourself as you Fall in Love with God’s design for you.
The Time is Now
Has this message spoken to you? I know there is a lot of content – just know that it’s not all for you right now. Something is however. What does God want you to focus on?
As you consider your own self-love practices, what will be your priority in the area of body, mind and spiritual nurturing? I encourage you to prayerfully ask the Lord. Write down your goals. Share this with a trusted accountability partner and take action!
Join the Conversation
Did you have an ah-ha moment when reading? Scroll down and share your thoughts in the Join the Conversation section. Include any questions you may have or suggestions for future articles.
Read next article in the Fall in Love Again series: Embrace Your Story – Fall in Love Again Part 3
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Photo by Noah Silliman
Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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