We can relate to others from positions of anger, greed, and hatred, or from kindness and compassion.
But firstly, perhaps it is helpful for us to become aware of how we treat ourselves, as it is key to seeing how we relate to others. Are we kind to our self? How do we talk to or about ourselves? Do we berate our self in ways we would never do so to a friend, or others? Are we highly self-critical?
God said, “Love your neighbour as yourself. (Matthew 12:31) But it’s difficult to love other people if we are not first kind and loving to our self. If we don’t value our own life and existence, how will we ever truly value others?
It takes time to change our attitudes toward ourselves, and subsequently others. It begins by becoming aware of our feelings and thoughts toward self.
God thinks you are worth His kindness, and He’s a good judge of character. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)
If God says you are valuable and worth His kindness then it’s more than okay to show yourself a little kindness, nurturing, and care. To value yourself. There are many acts of kindness you can direct toward yourself, from taking a guilt-free day off, to going and spoiling yourself doing something you enjoy for no particular reason. It’s talking better about yourself, and not calling yourself stupid, or weak, or anything less than what God says you are. It’s regularly “treating” yourself, and “cutting yourself some slack”.
Consider and take notice of how you relate to yourself and others throughout the day – is it with kindness or not?
If we can learn to give attention to how we treat others, and ourselves perhaps we will learn to be kinder. To not berate and put ourselves down so much. To not have such unrealistic expectations. We will learn to love ourselves more, because Jesus says we are worth loving. Actually He revealed by His actions when He died on the cross just how much we are valued and loved, because He stated quite clearly we are worth dying for.
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
Today take a fresh look in the mirror, and consider that such kindness was shown towards you; that you, yes you, were worth dying and paying the ultimate price for. Start to look at your life and the lives of others with that same perspective, and soon you will be giving love and kindness away to yourself and others too.
“For His lovingkindness is great toward us”. (Psalm 117:2)
“Because Your lovingkindness is better than life, My lips will praise You” (Psalm 63:3)
Prayer: Lord thank you for your great kindness towards me. Help me to show myself that same kindness in valuing my life and realising that I am of great worth; that I was worth dying for. Then teach me how to share and give that love and kindness to those around me. In Jesus Name Amen.
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