Love is a word we’ve all heard and used. How many know we’re supposed to walk in Love? Most would agree with this statement but have no idea what it means. It’s easy to cite the standard scriptures about love and being patient, nice, and kind to our neighbors. Love isn’t simply going around being nice to everyone or allowing others to “strike us on the cheek” that we might turn to offer the other. Love is also about walking in harmony with what’s right and good for self. Love can be about removing negativity from our own lives. Love is about making sacrifices for ourselves as well as others. It’s easy to say we tolerate things that aren’t right in the name of love, but how many choose to remove things from their own lives that aren’t right so they can receive more of the love they deserve?
Sometimes the sacrifices we make are our own and not all of those choices are easy. It’s important to love others and treat them as we desire to be treated. It’s also important to love ourselves and treat ourselves the way the Lord treats us. Sometimes we wait for outside forces to intervene in our lives when all that is needed is for us to do for ourselves the very thing we’re striving to do for others.
Look at yourself the way you would a loving friend and give yourself the same advice you would give them in their time of need. If you’re not strong enough to follow your own advice, love yourself enough to ask for help from someone who will support you in the decision. Everyone knows the Lord sends help in many forms, but many forget the Lord gives them the strength to help themselves as well. Instead of continually asking “Why hasn’t my help arrived to take me out of this circumstance?,” ask the Lord to give you strength to remove you from unloving circumstances.
God is love and He loves us all. He also uses us all to manifest His love. Don’t forget to allow yourself to be used by God to love you. In short, don’t forget to love yourself!!!
~Gil
Gil is a fellow brother in Christ and a frequent contributor to The WiC Project. If you would like to submit your own Mustard Seed topic or have a prayer request, please use The Seeds Form.
I’ve been following you on twitter but have never stopped by your blog before. LOVE it!!!
Thank you so much for this encouraging post!
I like it!! Very nice and encouraging blog.
Well said! I have issues with the “I’m 3rd” philosophy that is so popular now: God first, others second, me third. While it is nice to foster service to others, scripture says to “love others AS you love yourself”. If you don’t love yourself, you won’t have love to share with others.
Loving myself is so difficult to do…your thoughts make sense and are encouraging. Thank you! 🙂
I do Love Myself. I love others as well. I am kind,helpful and respect everyone.I treat all with Love..This is also how I would have them treat me..So much easier to love than hate.. God Bless~~
Psalm 139 says it all!
Great words to live by – sometimes amongst the chaos/drama and injustices in the world -we can forgive ourselves for our mistakes. Yet, through it all can lend an ear/comfort or just continue to shine and change someones day one smile at a time.
this is really great advice and wisdom!