Love Yourself, Love Your Neighbor 11.20.24

”This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you.”

-John 15:12

“A second is equally important . And it is, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.”

-Matthew 22:39

Last week in the reflection portion of our devotional I asked you to tell yourself 3 things that you love about yourself. You may have listed 3 things lickity split. Or, perhaps, maybe not so quickly. Personally, when I am put on the spot about what it is that I love or even like about myself, I usually come up empty handed. But when I'm asked to list the things I love/like about my daughter, my husband, my parents, siblings, family and friends the list goes on and on!

 Sometimes it can be easier to see others in such a different light than we see ourselves. 

But what if, just, for a moment we saw ourselves the way Jesus saw us?

What if we loved ourselves the way Jesus loves us? 

When I was growing up my mom always told me, “You can't love others if you don't first love yourself!” which comes from Matthew 22:39. In order to truly love other people, we first have to love and accept ourselves. So why can it be easier for us to love others but not truly, deeply love and accept ourselves? For me, I think it's because I know my past, my mistakes, my faults, all of my little flaws and quirks and thoughts and everything else in between. 

Thankfully we don't find our identity in ourselves or in our own accomplishments or even in our shortcomings. We find our identity in Jesus Christ and what He did for us.

We are who He says we are. 

So who exactly does He say we are? 

Today's devotional is going to look a little bit different than the weeks past. Today you are going to read, out loud, these affirmations and the truths about who you are that are straight from the Bible! 

I Am A Child Of God.

- 1 John 3:1

I am LOVED.

- John 3:16 |Colossians 3:12-14

I am Worthy.

- Matthew 6:26 | 

I am Enough.

- Romans 8:38-39

I am Chosen.

- John 15:16 | 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

I am Set Apart.

- 1 Corinthians 6:11

I am Beautiful.

- Genesis 1:27

I am Kind.

- Proverbs 31:26

I am Blessed.

- Numbers 6:24-26

I am Highly Favored.

- Luke 1:28

I am Accepted.

- Romans 15:7

I am FREE.

- Galatians 5:1

I am SAVED.

- Romans 10:13

I am a New Creation.

- 2 Corinthians 5:17

I am Precious.

- Isaiah 43:4 | Proverbs 31:10

I am Rescued.

- Galatians 3:13

I am Fearfully and Wonderfully Made.

- Psalm 139:13-14

I am Valued.

- Matthew 10:31

I am Treasured.

- Exodus 19:5

I am Known.

- Psalm 139:15-16

I am a MASTERPIECE.

- Ephesians 2:10

Reflect

Take the time to meditate on each affirmation and the corresponding Bible verse(s). 

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for creating me exactly how I am and making me WHO I am. Everything throughout my life has molded me according to your purpose and calling. Thank you for loving me and for helping me to learn to love myself and those around me. Please continually remind me that I am loved beyond measure and to help me see myself as You see me. Be with me as I encounter others throughout my day to show them love, grace and mercy.

 In Jesus name I pray.

Amen.