When it comes to Christian love, are you excluding yourself?

My beloved, you have embraced My command to love others, showing patience, kindness, and care to your neighbors. But I want you to savor the fruits of the Spirit for yourself, like a sweet slice of watermelon. My gifts—love, joy, and kindness—nourish both you and those around you. Love must include yourself.

The world is full of My creation, and as one of My magnificent creations (Psalm 139:14), you hold infinite value because you are made by an infinite and loving God. You are precious to Me, more than you can imagine. Every creature, everything I have made, deserves love, care, and respect—including you. When I commanded you to love your neighbor, I said, "as yourself" (Mark 12:31). Do not miss this truth: I long for you to love yourself as deeply and tenderly as you love others.

The Unbroken Reed

 

My little one, battered and bruised. You know a bruised reed I will not break (Isaiah 42:3). 

Don't trust your feelings; instead trust my Word. I have not forsaken you or left you in a situation beyond redemption. You will see miracles and the glory of God if you but believe. You are closer to deliverance than you think. Trust yourself like Job did. Even when others were condemning him, Job did not resort to self-condemnation (Job 27:5-6).  

I see your faithfulness and am pleased. Know this: you are absolutely pleasing me just the way you are. The world says suffering is bad and the weak are dispensable, but I am attracted to the weak and the suffering, including you:

"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him" (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).

Love,

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