Happy Sunday Divas!!!

I hope you all had a wonderful week, and even if it came with a few challenges along the way you made it to Sunday. 🙂 Can you believe we are approaching the end of February? I know this is the shortest month of the year, but wow!!!

Since we still have a few more days left before the end of February, let’s talk about LOVE. The topic of love is very interesting and the discussion can go in many directions.  But I love talking about it from a biblical perspective. 😀 

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There are over a 100 scriptures that describe and talk about love, but one of the best descriptions of love (in my opinion) is 1 Corinthians 13:4-5.

1 Corinthians 13:4-5
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, and it keeps no record of wrongs.

This scripture pops in my head when I think about my relationships with the people in my life. When I tell them I love them, I have to remind myself what love is in relationship to how I should exhibit it based on what the Bible says.

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Real talk sistahs, I’m not always patient and kind, and sometimes I can be boastful, and proud.  Hey, I’m work in progress. 🙂  Loving people the way the Bible directs can be a challenge, yet it is something we seek to have and also give. Well what about when it comes to loving ourselves? 😐 

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Self-Love

Most scriptures about love (if not all) primarily focuses on loving others. I think the assumption is that we as human beings naturally love ourselves.

And I agree, when it comes to the basic necessities of life, we actually do love ourselves. For example, when we get hungry we eat, if we are cold we seek warmth, etc…etc.  

Basically our natural instinct to love ourselves ensures that we have what we need to survive, feel safe, and have comfort.

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If this is true then why is there a push to have more self-love in our society? Why do people struggle with self-esteem, self-worth, and depression?

I think that when we accept God’s love we begin to have an understanding of love for ourselves and others. I John 4:19 says, “We love because He first loved us.”

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Self-love from my perspective starts with being appreciative of who God made me to be, forgiving myself, being patient and kind to myself, and letting go of my past mistakes. If God loves and forgives me, is patient and kind towards me, then I should do the same for myself and others.

Self-love is also taking good care of myself (spiritually, mentally, and physically) and having an understanding of my worth as a child of God and His love for me.

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I also believe self-love is more in line with loving yourself enough to do what is needed to improve your life beyond just surviving.
I visualize it as a circle…love God, love myself, and love people. When I have a healthy relationship with God and in communication with Him, I am able to love myself and love people.

What are your thoughts about self-love? I would love to hear from you.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your undying love for us. Thank you for allowing us to live at such a time as this so that we might spread your love to all we come in contact with. As we continue on this journey of life, we ask that you help us to have a healthy sense of love for people and ourselves. Help us to draw from your love and be able to give that love to whomever we come in contact with, especially that woman staring back in the mirror. Help us to live healthy, happy and purposeful lives during our stay here on earth.
In Jesus name we pray
Amen.

Cil

I’m Priscilla, native New Orleanian but currently living in central Louisiana with my husband. After living away from Louisiana for over 10 years, it’s good to be back in my home state. My spiritual journey has grown and developed over the years into an intimate relationship with my Heavenly Father. I love to worship and take time for daily devotion and prayer. A relationship with Jesus is so vital for living a faith filled, full life. My fitness journey started with FFF in 2015. I was overweight, sickly, and depressed. Within six month of support, coaching and love from this awesome FFF team I got under 170. I believe that with commitment, accountability, inspiration and prayer we can enjoy healthy, long and prosperous lives. I also believe healthy living is one of God’s desires for our life. He wants us to take care of the temple He blessed us with. I’m glad to be a part of the FFF team by sharing weekly devotionals and prayer; and I am excited about all that God has for us this year. Join us every Sunday for FFF’s Spiritual Moment in devotion, inspiration and prayer.