Loving Myself

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10, ESV).

ME: Someone recently asked me if I loved myself and quite honestly, I did not know what to say.

JESUS: Why didn’t you respond from your heart?

ME: Because I am not sure what is in my heart. I am so very grateful for all You have done for me and how You brought me out of those messes I made; but to say I love myself…well, that’s a stretch.

JESUS: I love you, My precious child. That is sufficient. And…for My sake, please stop playing those old negative tapes. They are worthless and harmful!

ME: But Your Word says that I am to love my neighbor as myself. How can I do that when I don’t even like myself at times? I don’t like what I do or think. I get so angry for some of the really dumb things that I say. I even get frazzled over the feelings that I have or shouldn’t have.

JESUS: Let’s see now…are you perfect?

ME: Of course not, but I don’t want to come off sounding like I’ve got it all together when I don’t even come close. Remember, I still have some trust issues and forgiveness is quite the struggle for me. Why am I telling You this; You already know.

JESUS: There are many times when I let you see yourself through My eyes. Are you even vaguely aware of them?

ME: Sure, well…kind of. When I see a baby smile at me or when a usually skittish dog comes right up to me wagging its tail. 

JESUS: Are you serious? Is that all you can come up with? Let Me give you a few glances at your past when you have made My heart happy. What did you give up in FL to come back to PA to be nearer to your family? How about the time you gave your car to your daughter so she could student teach and you had no transportation? Let’s talk about the meals you made for someone every day for a week who was too sick to get out of bed. I have a long list; should I continue.

ME: Jesus, those are things I’ve done because I knew in my heart it was the right thing to do.

JESUS: True, but for a few seconds weren’t you filled with peace? Didn’t you feel good about yourself? Weren’t you happy? I know that I was!

ME: Yes, yes and yes! I like myself more today than ever before. I just don’t want to brag or give anyone the wrong impression.

JESUS: Most certainly I will let you know when you are being arrogant or boastful. Until then, brag about all the amazing things that I have done in your life. Just think about your church mantra…Love God, Love People. Are you not one of those people?

ME: Yes, and I am happy to be one!

Love God, Love People with Danny Gokey