Matthew 22:39 - Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
It is interesting how many times we hear these instructions on plane rides or as advice from someone else, “put the mask on yourself before placing it on others.” We, however, seem to not know how to yield to these instructions.
As someone who thought it was selfish to put yourself first or to place your needs and desires above everyone’, I was relieved when I finally learned that taking care of self first was not a selfish act. That there is no way you can take care of others before yourself. Think about it for a minute. You are running around ensuring the children are okay, your Mom and Dad are okay, your family is okay and never stop to check on whether you are okay. At some point, if you don’t check-in on you, you will run out of steam.
Today’s verse reminds us that the same love we give to others, we should give to ourselves. So many of us love others more than ourselves. Jesus said it, love yourself the same as you love your neighbor. Note the part of “love yourself.” I encourage you to reflect on loving you and if you don’t already love you, start today. You are wonderfully and perfectly made. Love who you are!
Dear God,
Thank you for the reminder that I must love myself the same as my neighbor. That there is no reason to feel that this is a selfish act. I pray that all your children love themselves the same as their neighbor and that this reminder set them free. I ask this in your son Jesus’ name. Amen!