When I speak of self love, I don't mean the all encompassing adoration, attention, and self inflation that makes one view themselves as greater than another. Rather, I speak of the contentment in oneself and the way they were created (gifts, talents, and all) as a result of knowing their Creator and their purpose. 

 

I believe that when we can truly accept and learn to appreciate the way we were each individually created, we can move on to the greater things, such as loving one another. Nevertheless, it is still worth the time to find gratitude in our unique being, knowing we are nothing but the work of His hands. 

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As always, the first step in learning about any piece of artwork is to ask the artist, the one who created the piece with intentionality and purpose. The only one who truly knows each intricate aspect of the artwork and the one who deserves the praise for His fine work. Whether you have come into acceptance and relationship with Him or not, the Lord God Almighty is our Creator, and He sent His one and only Son to die for us.​

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When looking into Scripture, also known as the Word of God, we can learn several things about our design and purpose for our walks of life. For one thing, we were not a mistake, an afterthought, or a happened-by-chance. Genesis 1:27 NIV says, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” Not only that, but God created us each individually with one over-arching purpose: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV. We are to love God, know God, and lead others to do the same. 

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Once we know our Creator, we can then move on to understanding how uniquely different He made all of us. God has made many different parts all united under one purpose. Yes, we are made in His image. Yes, we are made to glorify Him everyday of our lives and bring others unto Him. At the same time, we all have different aspects to us that make our personalities, talents, looks, and lifestyles different. Many of these things should be embraced as they are ordained by God; they may be a  channel to do what God has called us to. ​

 

Now regarding loving yourself. The purpose of doing so is to get to a place of humility: not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less of the time. From here, comes an understanding that you are irreplaceable, one of a kind. You were not meant to be like anyone else, but Jesus and no one else is to be like you. 

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Not only that, but loving yourself isn't selfish as long as it stems from gratitude. Many of us were given a functioning mind and body, access to healthy and whole foods, a bed to sleep in, and an option of who we surround ourselves with. Each of these things should be stewarded as if they were gifts, which they are. In doing so we are able to propel ourselves toward realizing our potential in Him. Every day, we can choose to fuel our body well, to exercise and physically push ourselves, to protect our alone time to allow for introspection. We are each beautiful beings, and we ought to take care of ourselves, that we may show up better for everyone else.  

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Lastly, I cannot emphasize the importance of the words you speak over yourself. Your brain comprehends your sentences in the affirmative, thus it is crucial to speak to yourself what you desire to be,  not what you don't want to be. One of the greatest ways to love yourself is to speak life over yourself. You know some of the deepest parts of your soul, your struggles, and your aspirations, so you should be cheering yourself on in this life with encouragement and kindness. Science has shown that people who speak positively over themselves are more resilient and more easily adaptable to stressful situations. If you struggle affirming yourself, I suggest speaking scripture over yourself; scripture is truth and has life-giving, transformational power. 

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You are the Lord's creation, it is okay to love yourself. You are not your own; you are the work of His hands. 

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XO,​

KD