Read this post for an explanation!
My Definition of Self Love - Learning not to hate yourself; being okay with past mistakes, but not repeating them; refusing to use current failures as fuel for self-hate and instead using them as opportunities to improve; and reminding yourself, "You are loved, you are valuable, and you are God's child."
My Definition of Self Love - Learning not to hate yourself; being okay with past mistakes, but not repeating them; refusing to use current failures as fuel for self-hate and instead using them as opportunities to improve; and reminding yourself, "You are loved, you are valuable, and you are God's child."
I don't like myself. I am acutely aware of my flaws - I am easily jealous, petty, a gossip, self-centered, and materialistic to name a few; I'm sure that time will reveal many more areas in my life where there is room for improvement.
For many years, I carried a misunderstanding of humility - I thought that humility was basically the same as self-hate, and that acknowledging any of my attributes or talents was prideful. Upon discovery of a new shortcoming in my life, I would use to tell myself that I was a horrible person. Only in high school did I realize that self-deprecation and pride are very similar - though it can be tempting to think that one is "better" than than the other, both bring about the same result: taking the focus off of Christ and putting it on oneself.
Discovering flaws, failures, and shortcomings are essential to growth. However, knowledge is only the first step - instead of dwelling upon them, I have to learn how to grow and move past these issues. This is something that I cannot on my own - it can only be done by the power of the Holy Spirit. As a Christian, I am not called to stay the same - I am called to continue growing in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
J's Thoughts:
I've been discussing these prompts with my husband, and he has offered some great insight! I'm hoping to include more of his writings along with my response to the daily prompt or challenge.
Many Christians struggle with self love because they don't know what love is. We can learn what love is by looking at the Bible - we know that God is love (1 John 4:8). 1 Corinthians 3 tells us. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
For many years, I carried a misunderstanding of humility - I thought that humility was basically the same as self-hate, and that acknowledging any of my attributes or talents was prideful. Upon discovery of a new shortcoming in my life, I would use to tell myself that I was a horrible person. Only in high school did I realize that self-deprecation and pride are very similar - though it can be tempting to think that one is "better" than than the other, both bring about the same result: taking the focus off of Christ and putting it on oneself.
Discovering flaws, failures, and shortcomings are essential to growth. However, knowledge is only the first step - instead of dwelling upon them, I have to learn how to grow and move past these issues. This is something that I cannot on my own - it can only be done by the power of the Holy Spirit. As a Christian, I am not called to stay the same - I am called to continue growing in the knowledge and grace of Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
J's Thoughts:
I've been discussing these prompts with my husband, and he has offered some great insight! I'm hoping to include more of his writings along with my response to the daily prompt or challenge.
Many Christians struggle with self love because they don't know what love is. We can learn what love is by looking at the Bible - we know that God is love (1 John 4:8). 1 Corinthians 3 tells us. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
Christians often struggle with "self love" because they are acutely aware of their own sinful nature. All humans are made in the image of God and have a conscience to tell them right and wrong, but for a Christian they also have the Holy Spirit to help them discern the truth. Many believers are aware of their failures and so the concept of "self love" seems very wrong. Love, however, is not about oneself - love is about others. Ultimately, "self love" is not really what a child of God should be seeking. Many Christians struggling with self image and self acceptance do not actually want to love themselves - instead, they desire contentment in who they are and where God has placed them.
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