In Matthew 22, Jesus talked about two of the greatest commandments. The first is to love God; the second is like it, to love your neighbor as yourself. Notice that there are three connections in those two commands: the connection between you and God, the connection between you and others, and your connection with yourself. The bottom line is that you can't love others if you don't love yourself first, and you can't love yourself without receiving God's love for you. That's the ultimate love connection. God's love works in us and empowers us to love others as we love ourselves!
Loving yourself isn't about being selfish; it's about honoring God's creation … you! Today, as the world celebrates love, I encourage you to receive God's love in a new way. Ask Him to show you His unconditional love. When you understand His true love, you'll be set free from any kind of feelings of inferiority and insecurity. You become more grounded and better able to love others. The more we accept God's love, the more love we will be able to give in return—both to Him and to the people who matter the most to us!
If you've never accepted the love and forgiveness that Jesus has to offer, let me encourage you to do so. I'm not talking about becoming religious and trying to be good enough, I'm talking about having a relationship with the Creator of the universe through His Son, Jesus Christ. It's so simple. Just pray this prayer in your heart. Dear Jesus, I know I'm a sinner and I need a Savior. I believe You are the Son of God, that You died, paying the price for my sins, and You rose again. I ask You to come into my life; make me fresh and new. I accept You as my Lord and Savior.
As you prayed that prayer, I believe today is a new beginning. Let go of the old and receive the new. Let His love connection build strength and confidence in you to do what He's called you to do!
