The power of self love (Part 4)
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
How can we love ourselves? As a matter of fact, we cannot love simply by consuming information. This means that no matter how many books we read or YouTube videos we watch, we cannot experience love in our heads.
The experience of love must begin at the heart level before flowing outwardly. Inwardly, we must make the decision, “I decide to love myself ”. Love is a decision, and it requires a strong commitment that refuses to return. Always remember that we have a choice between loving and hating, the decision is ours.
Then we need to make a conscious choice to change our flawed belief system, so that we stop beating ourselves up and can discern the enemy's lies. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach us discernment so we can recognize accusatory, condemnatory, and guilt-ridden inner voices.
The life of the heart is connected to our mouths. “For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45.
It may sound silly, but I've found that outer self talk works for me. I literally speak kindly to myself out loud. For instance, if I spilled the soup, my past inner voice would accuse me, "you are so clumsy," and now I talk kindly to myself, "It's okay! Clean it up.". As we speak positive and kind words to ourselves, be it loving self-talk, mirror talk, or a prayer, we can leverage the power of words to speak God’s love to ourselves.
Love is an experience, and when we are busy with doing, we are unable to cultivate loving relationships with God, others, and ourselves. Being still and cultivating a listening heart are important. A hurried and rushed life cannot engage love deeply. We need to learn to "Be still", with no agenda or racing thoughts, just "being" in the relationship with God and ourselves. In the past, I used to talk to myself constantly about my "to do list." It was all about what I needed to accomplish. I rarely slowed down to spend time with myself.
Additionally, we can act by doing things we love. It can be a spiritual act to get a facial, take a hike, and eat a happy meal to manifest how much you love yourself. Especially for those who are overgiving to others and neglect themselves, these activities and self-care practices are helpful for rejuvenation.
Lastly, walking in love is a process, so take your time and find your own pace. Love is patient and kind. May we all extend grace and kindness to ourselves and to others. GO LOVE and BE LOVED!
Blessing prayer: I choose to love you, others, and myself. My heart embraces your love and grace. I learn to be still and hear God's loving words to me. In Jesus' name, Amen
