A reflection from my devotional this morning...

Love to me has always come easily when it comes to others. My life is centred on serving, uplifting, and caring for those around me. Loving my neighbour has never felt like a burden; it is joy. The harder task has always been turning that same love inward.

There was a time when I hated everything about me — my name, my looks, even the face staring back at me in the mirror. Words I would never dare speak over another person, I hurled mercilessly at myself. I wore the crown of self-loathing, heavy and cruel.

In these past five years, God has been unravelling those lies. I still remember Sandra’s word of knowledge — that I am not a waste of time, effort, or money. Those words pierced my heart like light breaking into a darkened room. Since then, I no longer live in the prison of self-hatred. Yet, to say I truly love myself feels like a stretch. Perhaps I am still learning what that really looks like.

I see now that compassion cannot remain one-directional. If I long to be kind, patient, and forgiving with others, then the same compassion must flow toward me. Not because of achievement or worthiness earned, but because I am His beloved, made in His image.

So I begin with whispers of kindness:

• I forgive you.

• I see you trying.

• I am proud of you.

Maybe love begins there — in speaking to myself the way I would to a weary friend.

🙌A Prayer of Self-Compassion

Lord Jesus, teach me to see myself through Your eyes.

Help me extend to my own heart the same gentleness I so freely give to others.

Heal the places still tender from old wounds, and remind me daily that I am Your beloved.

Let the compassion I long to receive rise up within me as a gift of Your grace.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

---

💖 If you're readung this amd you can relate, may I remind you that you are not a waste of time, energy or money, dear heart. You are worth the love you so freely pour into others.