Being loved and cherished by the Almighty, we are free to accept ourselves. It is time to stop self-deprecating, and start being kind to ourselves.
Psst! Come in close. I have a secret…You are AWESOME! Yes, I am talking to you. You are God’s creation, made in his image. How can you be anything other than wonderful? Believe it!
Some of you don’t believe this. I know because I’ve heard you and even joined you in making comments like: “I am so fat.” “I have to smile because I have resting *****face.” “It is a bad hair day.” “Why do I look like this?” I have looked at myself in the mirror and seen someone so wanting that it seemed impossible to see why anyone would want me.
Cherished: Stop Self-Deprecating
Here is a hard truth I want you to think about, because I love you…
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen cannot love God, whom they have not seen. And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.
1 John 4:19-21
Added to this, I would also say that God wants you to love yourself. Way easier said than done, I know, but we have to work on this.
Here is my naked confession: I have seen myself as short, fat, doudy, babyish, bossy, ugly, unattractive, and unlovable. I have cried myself to sleep, felt deep shame for walking out the door, and wondered why God even put me on this earth. In front of others I have demeaned myself and worse, I’ve done it in front of my daughter.
I don’t want to add extra stress to your life, but we have to stop it. You are a child of God. I am a child of God. He doesn’t want you, or anyone, putting you down.
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7
Cherished: Be Kind to Yourself
Jesus loves you so much. He chose you, even knowing you are imperfect. He was born, lived, worked, loved everyone, and died for you! Jesus was, is, and always will be perfect. So His love for you is equally perfect. Remember how Jesus feels about you.
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us.
1 John 4:12
So what should we do when we want to say these things or hear others say them? Simple…Pray. Open your heart to God and let His love pour into you. He will always be there in the moment. He will drive the doubt and fear away and give you the joy He means for you to feel in His love.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.
1 John 4:18
I have found prayers in God’s word are so comforting. They are His word and float right to my heart. When I am feeling defeated or tempted to say self deprecating comments, I remember His word.
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who give me strength.
Philipians 4:12-13
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Jesus was, is, and always will be perfect. So His love for you is equally perfect. Click To Tweet
You are fiercely loved, and in this love, fear can no longer remain!
