1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Well, here we are the final day of the blog week, and it is Valentine’s Day. I don’t know what it is about this day that I thoroughly enjoy, but I certainly do. I love the colors, the chocolates and even the flowers. I’m not much of a flower type girl, but there is something about flowers on Valentine’s Day that I kind of like. Perhaps it’s just the fact that people take on a childlike approach of expressing their love for one another openly that I love so much. I know that we don’t need a day like today to give us the green light to show love to one another, but it’s just fun to see.
On that note, let’s finish the week out by talking about love as it relates to ourselves. This is something that I have really struggled with since I was a young child. Although I grew up in a good home, I never felt like I quite measured up. It seemed like every time I turned around, I was being told things like… “Why are you wearing that?” “Don’t talk that way.” “That doesn’t look good on you.” “You’ve gained weight.” “You’ve lost weight.” For a young girl, these comments made a huge impression on me. And for many years, they kept me from loving myself. Not only did they keep me from loving myself, but they kept me from showing love to others. Honestly, this is something that I continue to struggle with; although, I have come along way. That said, I now know that the things that were said to me then, had nothing to do with me, yet everything to do with the ones who said it. Although, I know that they were not trying to hurt me in anyway. They only knew what they knew at the time.
See, we can’t show or give love to others, if we don’t have love for ourselves. We are a reflection of our own hearts. If we are inpatient , unkind, envious, proud, self-seeking, etc., than we need to look within. This takes work. At least, it did/does for me. There are some days when I cannot even look at myself in the mirror, because of what I see looking back at me. But, what I have begun doing is reminding myself of what the Lord says about me when I do. Yes, I talk to myself. And if someone overheard me, they may think that I have lost my mind. But, I assure you that I haven’t. I just practice saying these things with the hope that I will someday believe what I am saying.
My point? We can’t give what we don’t have. If we are having a hard time giving love to others, than we need to look within ourselves. This is a signal that there is work to be done. Is this something that we should be ashamed of? Of course not! We are all a work in progress. Otherwise, there would not be a need for us to occupy this beautiful planet.
So, how do you feel like you are doing when it comes to self-love? Do you believe all of the beautiful things that the Lord says about you? If so, please share. I, personally, would like to know . I need as much help with this that I can get, and I am not afraid to admit it. Leave me a comment below, email me or PM at Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thefaithfilledtraveler/ . Otherwise, I will plan on seeing you there between now and Sunday, and right back here early Monday morning. Have a fabulous weekend, my friends!
Warmest regards,
Salina Watson
The Faith Filled Traveler 
They would think I lost my mind as well. I have been told a lot of things along the way that were just hurtful, it was hard for me to show love. That probably explains my failed marriages that I have had. How I try to bring joy to people and make them laugh with my corny jokes. Here lately people don’t want to laugh. I try to shine at work, and it is really hard, most people don’t want to laugh since we are pressured to get out all the stuff for customers. I know that I am not the man that I used to be, I still have work to do as well.
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Me too, my friend! Self image and self love is something I struggle with everyday. I have to quit listening to the voices in my head and hear the voice of my father and what He says about me! The times I feel most loved is when I stop and sit at the feet of Jesus!
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“Quit listening to the voices in my head and hear the voice of my father.” That is so good and so true! The enemy knows that the battle begins with our thoughts. Thankfully, with a little practice & persistence, we can control them by reminding ourselves of what we know to be true. His word is truth! (Hugs)
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Beautiful post. This is truth and I’m so glad you took this bull by the horns and you are so vulnerable in this post. I am on a self live journey as well and am loving every minute. I don’t always love how I look either but I know I’m beautifully and wonderfully made and remembering that reminds me how uniquely beautiful I am. Also I focus on and read things that build on this and inspire me to be my best self!
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It’s a journey isn’t, Natty? Thank you.
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Yes ma’am, it is.
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