Did you know that we are to love others, as ourselves? I find it curious that the "as ourselves" part was hardly ever, if ever, the focus of any sermon or bible study during my more than six years experience at Gracepoint/Berkland.
Or any other traditionally evangelical church.
I was taught that self love was selfish. I didn't even know the term self care until I left. I was taught that I was a worthless sinner, not worthy of God's love, or any other kind of love as a matter of fact. The only correct opinion I could have of myself was that I was a piece of shit. (But of course I couldn't say that word since, you know, no cussing.)
I find it curious how conveniently the "as yourself" part was and is left out. But it makes sense given that it would be a huge obstacle to do church according to Gracepoint's model if everyone actually loved themselves.
The older I get, the more I understand that I cannot love others any other way. I can only love others as I love myself. I am not made to be able to have a double standard for myself and for others. Thus, I can love others only as myself. If I love myself based on my accomplishments, talents, abilities, service to church, level of closeness to God, or anything else, I will love others this way too. And if I love others based on these, then I will love myself this way too.
During these present times, I hope that you can find time and space to practice self love and self compassion. Today's an especially good day to practice radical self acceptance.
You are only human. You do not need to be perfect. You are allowed to make mistakes. You are already enough. God loves you just as you are. God wants you to love yourself, just as you are too. You are already accepted. You are very good. You are not a mistake.
Or any other traditionally evangelical church.
I was taught that self love was selfish. I didn't even know the term self care until I left. I was taught that I was a worthless sinner, not worthy of God's love, or any other kind of love as a matter of fact. The only correct opinion I could have of myself was that I was a piece of shit. (But of course I couldn't say that word since, you know, no cussing.)
I find it curious how conveniently the "as yourself" part was and is left out. But it makes sense given that it would be a huge obstacle to do church according to Gracepoint's model if everyone actually loved themselves.
The older I get, the more I understand that I cannot love others any other way. I can only love others as I love myself. I am not made to be able to have a double standard for myself and for others. Thus, I can love others only as myself. If I love myself based on my accomplishments, talents, abilities, service to church, level of closeness to God, or anything else, I will love others this way too. And if I love others based on these, then I will love myself this way too.
During these present times, I hope that you can find time and space to practice self love and self compassion. Today's an especially good day to practice radical self acceptance.
You are only human. You do not need to be perfect. You are allowed to make mistakes. You are already enough. God loves you just as you are. God wants you to love yourself, just as you are too. You are already accepted. You are very good. You are not a mistake.
