Love You

Scripture

You are altogether beautiful, my darling, beautiful in every way. -Song of Solomon 4:7

How we see ourselves depends largely on our experiences and encounters in life. Some people have had fine experiences and encounters in their early years, and as  result, they've learned to love who they are, accept their imperfections, and strive daily to be better versions of themselves. On the other hand, some have had a distorted self-image based on past experiences. They've had tumultuous beginnings, and their first encounters and experiences have left them with a view of themselves shrouded with unworthiness and negative programming. Therefore, as they grow into adulthood, there's an underlying theme of "I'm not enough" or "This isn't supposed to happen for someone like me". Even if these words aren't playing in your head, there's a subconscious thought pattern there that sabotages anything good that is erected in your life. For many people, this thought pattern became a stronghold. They are unaware that it is even there until God reveals it through opportunities that could take their life to the next level. 

Theologically, the scripture above is meant to be a picture of how God sees us-completely beautiful and without flaws through grace. Can we accept God's view? Can we accept that God sees our whole self, including our potential as beautiful and without blemish? Can we accept that God has good things in store for us? Can we accept that when bad things happen in our lives, it's not because we're bad people, and God is not punishing us? Beloved, accepting these things means that we recognize our worth, value, and potential through His unconditional love. His love for us is not measured by actions. There was nothing we had to do to earn it, therefore, there is nothing we could do to lose it. So, perhaps we're worthy of love-from Him, and ourselves. 

Let's begin today to replace our negative self-image with truth from the scripture. God made no mistakes when with you, Beloved. "You even formed every bone in my body when you created me in the secret place; carefully, skillfully you shaped me from nothing into something. You saw who you created me to be before I become me!" (Psalm 139:15-16 ). Know that you are precious, capable, and fully known, not flawed and a failure. It's not about what you've done, its about who you are, Beloved. Love yourself and know that you deserve all the goodness that God has coming your way. Your worth is not based on performance or appearance, but your identity as a child of God. Love yourself.

Prayer

Father, we confess that we have often felt flawed, unlovable, or marked by our mistakes. We ask that You heal our hearts from the lies that say we are not enough. Let Your love for us wash away all insecurity, shame, and self-doubt. Help us to see ourselves as You see us—perfected in Your love and completely beautiful in Your eyes. In Jesus' name, Amen