Loving God. . . Loving Yourself

**This post first appeared in the February 2014 Issue of Women's Elevation Magazine. Sign up for your free (online) subscription by visiting www.womenselevationmagazine.com**

Do you love yourself?  I’m not promoting being vain or obsessed with yourself. . . but can you clearly see and appreciate your qualities? Do you recognize your value?

I truly believe that a relationship with God can help us to recognize our own worth and establish a healthy sense of love for ourselves. If we care about someone, we’ll most likely cherish and want to protect them. We should be grateful for our lives and desire to make the most of them.

Realizing that we have been created in God’s image should remind us that there’s no need to compare ourselves to others. If we focus on the world’s messages, we’ll always be more concerned that there’s someone prettier, smarter or popular instead of the fact the fact that God views us as His masterpiece. How amazing is that?

Considering the fact that God has given us a specific purpose in the earth should remind us that not everyone is meant to be connected to us. No one deserves automatic access to your life- just because they may be drawn to you. Be selective about who you surround yourself with. Either you’ll influence them or they will be able to influence you.

Knowing that we can go to God in prayer about any and everything should cause you to be able to forgive yourself. Sometimes we make choices that aren’t the best. Whether you want to reflect on your academic career, business ideas or friendships/relationships, we don’t always get it right. As women, we sometimes have a harder time than males when it comes down to moving on from hurtful situations and disappointments. Rather than beating yourself up over a past mistake, take the opportunity to live, learn and grow. Pray to God for wisdom and guidance so that you won’t make the same mistakes in the future.  If God forgives us for our mistakes, we should be able to do the same!

If you truly love God, you will accept His Word over anyone else’s. People will project their thoughts and opinions onto you but you don’t have to accept them. Some may try to kill your goals and dreams but you’ve probably already heard that nothing is impossible with God {Luke 1:37- The Holy Bible; KJV}.

I encourage you to grow in your love for God and you’ll see that your love for yourself will also increase.  Once you love yourself, you make it easier for others to love you as well.  Let me leave you with this . . .

“I will not be bound by fear, guilt or pressure from other people’s expectations or opinions of me. I will live by faith! All things are possible with God. As long as there is breath in my body, every single day is an opportunity to fulfill His purpose for my live. . . I will always remember that I AM LOVED!”