One of the greatest commandments instructs us to love our neighbor as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39).
Learning to tap into your greatness and share goodness and love with others is a learned behavior. Demonstrations of love and kindness through the hands of caregivers often reciprocates a second nature to do the same.
But what happens when people don’t love themselves? What is the impact on others when one hasn’t grasped the idea of self-awareness, self-care, self-empowerment, and self-preservation?
From first breathe mankind was created in the very image of a loving God. Mind, body, soul, and spirit we were designed to exude gifts, talents, love, and potential beyond our greatest imagination.
On the other hand, the devil’s scheme is to cause people to doubt their significance, question their abilities, and fail to live up to God’s purpose and plan.
To make matters worse, sometimes these messages proceed from the lips of those expected to care for and protect, teaching self-hate instead of love; self-destruction instead of esteem; and self-degradation instead of the pursuit of happiness.
Learning to love one's self must be intentional and specific. Learn to respect you; to be patient with you; to forgive you; and to love YOU!
The first step towards loving your neighbor as yourself is to love you.
Note: Professional counseling may be needed to achieve these goals. Created in God's image means that you are also worth the effort!