We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. 1 John 4:16 (NLT)
According to 1 John 4:16, “God is love.” If God is love, do you think He loves Himself? Does God have a favourable view of Himself? Does He respect Himself?
Somehow we think it is okay for God to think well of Himself because He is perfect, but we have fallen for the lie that love must be earned through perfect behaviour. This contradicts everything Jesus came to bring to this earth. God loves you, whether you earn it or not. He loves you equally at your lowest moment in life and at your highest and wants you to love yourself this way as well.
Many people were raised in homes and churches that discouraged self-love because they wanted to encourage humility. Although their intentions may have been good, children who grow up in this atmosphere are not taught to believe that they are special, cherished children of God. When these children become adults, instead of believing that they can be a blessing to others, they find themselves thinking, if they ever found out what I’m really like, they would stop loving me. As long as they believe the lie that love is earned, their ability to accept love and give love to others is limited.
Trust is earned—we cannot blindly give others the opportunity to take advantage of us—but love is unconditional. It is also a choice.
You can choose to love yourself. Don’t entertain negative thoughts about yourself or your ability. Instead, replace those thoughts with what God says about you. Take care of your physical, mental and spiritual health. And never fall for the lie that you deserve disrespect.