“Two people owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he forgave the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?” Simon replied, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.” “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said. Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.” Luke 7:41-47
A blog from Global Awakening
Experiencing an extravagant love for God and for others is birthed out of a sense of extreme gratitude for God’s grace and forgiveness. In a world saturated with self-care and self-love tools that will ultimately leave you still feeling empty, the key to truly loving yourself is not found within oneself but in the Person of Jesus Christ. Therefore, as a Christian, learning to love oneself is not about self-focus, but about Christ-focus. It starts with receiving forgiveness from God and allowing His love to transform your self-perception. When viewed through the lens of Jesus’ perfect love, you will actually begin to fall in love with who He created you to be!
In Luke 7, we encounter a woman whose profound love for Jesus reflects a life rooted in an overflowing, grateful heart. We see her in stark contrast with the religious man who did not display any kind of visible demonstration of love for Christ. He had no revelation of his own brokenness and need for God, preventing him from experiencing God’s mercy and forgiveness. It could be said that this man did not love himself because he was bound by performance and religious obligations.
Today, the Holy Spirit extends an invitation to allow the love of God to transform the way you see yourself. God wants you to cherish the reflection in the mirror each morning, recognizing yourself as His joy and His delight! You are His beloved child. Do you sense God’s pleasure and delight when you gaze into the mirror? If not, it may be time to forgive yourself and receive God’s love today. Perhaps you struggle with comparison or jealousy; there is no condemnation, only an invitation to receive a greater revelation of how fearfully and wonderfully God has made you. As you catch a glimpse of your God-given identity, you’ll find that there’s no one else that you’d rather be!
Many believers experience burnout as they focus on trying to love their neighbor, but they forget that the Lord tells you to love your neighbor as yourself. Inability to receive God’s forgiveness and love for yourself impedes your ability to love others. Often we don’t love others well because of self-protective behavior fueled by fear that God doesn’t love me or God won’t take care of me. However, perfect love casts out fear! Today, you can love yourself well by letting go of self protection and letting the love of God crash into your heart. Understand that God is the protector of your heart, merciful and completely trustworthy. You can let Him all the way in and let His love transform you.
Activation Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You so much for the extravagant love You demonstrated for me on the cross. Thank You for Your passion and mercy towards me. Today I choose to receive Your forgiveness, love, and mercy. I choose to forgive myself and let go of all shame, guilt, or self-hatred that I have been holding onto. Holy Spirit, will you please exchange these things for a love encounter with the love of the Father. I pray today that You would open up my eyes to see myself the way You see me. I pray that I would be able to love myself the way that You love me. Transform the way I see myself when I look in the mirror each day. Help me to see You, Lord Jesus, when I look myself in the eyes. In Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.