Love letter #37: Taking responsibility for what you love

'Love they neighbor as thyself (Mark 12:31)' implies that you love yourself. Sometimes that is difficult for many of us to do. Most of the time it is because we do not see the same value in ourselves that God sees in us. In fact, we are highly valued by God. Since God is Love, and love, by definition places high value on the object of its affection, He places high value on us.



He says that heaven rejoices when one even one of his lost sheep return to Him  (Luke 15:3-10). He calls us a chosen people, a royal priesthood,  and our bodies the temple of God (1 Peter 2:9, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). He tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made ( Psalm 139:14).

If we are to truly love ourselves, we must be true to the Holy Spirit guidance within us. Coach Anna McCoy puts it like this in her book, Woman Act Now!:

"Being true to yourself is not achieved by making a mission dollars or setting lofty goals; rather, it is achieved by

 taking responsibility

•      for what you love, 
•      how you want to be treated, and 
•    what you do for others. 

These are your choices, and you should never be ashamed of what matters most to you, even if you feel that it does not measure up to someone else's standards or  point of view."

Throughout the same chapter, she admonishes the reader to align their actions with their values. Do you value you yourself? Are you acting as if you value you yourself? Are you taking responsibility for what God has entrusted to you: His Spirit and your body?

Are you taking responsibility for your passions and the burdens He has given you? Are you taking responsibility for what you might be called to do for others?

Lord, help us to love ourselves as you love us. Help us to value our body and soul, so that we might reflect your love to others in a way that demonstrates an understanding of how you love us. Amen.