Devotions from Judy’s heart
How well do we love ourselves?  Humm! Many of us find it hard to know the fine line between a healthy loving of ourselves and self-centeredness. I read an article on Crosswalk.com by Cortni Marraggo on reasons to love ourselves so we can better love others.  Jesus said in Matt. 22:39 (The Message), “Love others as well as you love yourself.” We don’t want to be selfish but neither should we look down on ourselves and not feel valued. Cortni used I Cor. 13, the love chapter, to help us know how to love ourselves in the right way, the same way we love others. She said love is patient. We need to be patient with ourselves, just as Jesus is with us. We haven’t arrived yet and need His grace when we make mistakes, so let us not be hard on ourselves. Love is kind and we are to be kind to ourselves. It is easy to think only of the needs of others and neglect ourselves When we take time to enjoy a massage or an evening out, we have more in reserve to give to others. Love doesn’t envy. When we know God has a plan for our lives and loves us, we have no need to envy others. We can rejoice with their successes. Love is not boastful and proud. When we recognize all that we are and have is a gift from God, we can live in thankfulness and not pride. Love doesn’t dishonor. We are to be polite with ourselves and not engage in self talk that calls ourselves stupid or a loser etc. Love is not self-serving but instead we choose to go with God’s plan. As we do, we will have peace and can extend grace to others. Love is not easily angered. That means we don’t get all worked up over things and harbor resentments. Instead we remain at peace and have a calming influence on others. Love is forgiving. If we refuse to keep a record of all our mistakes and let them define us, then we can better love others. Love doesn’t delight in evil or rejoice when bad things happen to others but rather rejoices when they are blessed with good things. Love protects our own needs and helps us to live in a balanced way with time for God. Love trusts and believes God is working in our lives so we can also believe in others. Love hopes and believes we can be changed and more like Him. Finally, love perseveres and doesn’t give up on ourselves but stays positive. May we love ourselves so that when others observe us doing these things, they will believe God can work in their lives also.
Challenge for today: Do something kind for yourself today.  
Blessings on your day and prayers and love, Judy