If we wish to make changes in our lives, attracting positive and renewing energies for our spirit, we must start with our thoughts and decisions. Learn how to make this kind of change by using the verses in the following article.
"If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing." 1 Corinthians 13:2
In our day to day lives, the Lord involves us in situations and allows us to meet people who show us the way to follow. If we continue on the path of light and the illumination of the Holy Spirit, we will be able to nourish and offer peace to the Father, following in His footsteps.
However, if we ignore these trials and signs that the Savior sends us, if we do not set an example of love and understanding, we will find ourselves wandering in the shadows, blind and indifferent to what really nourishes our lives.
"I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love." Ephesians 3:16-17
Love of self has nothing to do with selfishness. On the contrary, it is one of God's commandments and has a dual purpose. On the one hand, it serves as a shield to protect us from verbal and physical abuse and aggression from those who do not know love. On the other hand, it enables us to love unconditionally our loved ones and our neighbors in general.
In many areas of our lives, we have heard advice from people urging others to love themselves. This seemingly noble advice seeks to create awareness of our own importance. It is meant to warn us not to neglect our self-esteem, especially when we are more concerned about the welfare of others than our own.
"Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life." Psalm 143:8
As sons and daughters of God, we have a calling to value and thank God for his twofold work in us. We were created in His image and were redeemed with a very great sacrifice, that is, Christ died for us, and from this comes our dignity. This means that we owe God eternal gratitude, and one way to return His love is to love ourselves as He loves us.
The right attitude towards ourselves is to value, appreciate and esteem God's work in us. We are His creations, and that is where our dignity comes from. The key that reveals our unlimited potential is love, which liberates and heals us, but which begins with loving ourselves. Let us remember that it makes no sense to seek outside what we do not give to ourselves as persons.
"Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man." Proverbs 3:3-4
As we walk with faith and trust in God, we are guided by His light and can turn our weaknesses into strengths. Instead of being prisoners of a negative image, we become instruments of love and goodness in the world.
Let the image we have of ourselves be an image transformed by God's grace. Let us look to Him for guidance and strength to overcome our own limits and live a full and meaningful life.
Let us trust Him to enable us to meet the challenges and strengthen us in our purpose. In His love and grace, we will find the path to true fulfillment and excellence in all areas of our lives. Thus, as we serve God and others with humility and love, we will be living witnesses of His transforming power and the greatness He has placed in each of us.