I saw a sign in a store a few weeks ago that said, “Remember your love on Valentine’s Day!” Yes. I know Valentine’s Day is this Sunday, and thank you for reminding me, but look again at what the sign said. Was it emphasizing someone or something? I am sure it meant someone, because the intent was to sell me a product. But, what if it meant that we should remember our own internal thermometer of “love” on Valentine’s Day. Now, there is an interesting thought!

 

Around this time of year we think about others. We think about our spouse or our significant other. But, what if we thought about the love inside of us? What if we thought about loving ourselves? The Lord reminds us to love our neighbor as ourselves. Why should you love yourself? I’m glad you asked . . . .

 

LOVE YOURSELF BECAUSE GOD CREATED YOU! Our Heavenly Father is the Creator and Designer of each individual.  In fact, God prescribed us before birth. The Bible says before we were born, God wrote down all the details of our lives. Psalm 139:16 says it this way, “All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

LOVE YOURSELF BECAUSE GOD LOVES YOU! John 3:16 makes it clear that God loves you unconditionally and wants to give you a full and meaningful life.  He wants to give you eternal life.  He wants to forgive, redeem and remake you acceptable.  Do you feel incomplete? That is because He’s not finished with you yet (Philippians 1:6)!

LOVE YOURSELF BECAUSE IS PROUD OF YOU! I heard an African American preacher say once, “God don’t make no junk!” To that I say, AMEN! When you are immersed into Christ Jesus the Lord begins to form you into a new creation (II Corinthians 5:17), you are given the gift of righteousness (Romans 5:17), and you bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).  If we are faithful to Him he WILL reward us (II Timothy 4:6-8). Just because we slip up and sin doesn’t make us any more unlikable to Him. He is a God that restores us!

So, this February, in the month of love, think about loving yourself first. Then, maybe you will learn to love others as you love yourself. Have a great week!