Perfect Love

I understand how to love and care about others, but what about myself?  I don't really know how to love and respect myself.  Why should anything good happen to me I'm not deserving?

In Galatians 5:14. . .the law is fulfilled in one word:  "You shall love your neighbor as yourself"!  That command covers everything, the only problem I see is "what if we don't understand the concept or love ourselves"?  That is one reason why we need to study the word and open ourselves up to a new understanding of God's love.  There is no one who really understands love as God knows it so we have to trust Him.  God may not like our behaviors but He separates himself from our mistakes while continuing His love for us.  If you've experienced being loved in your life unconditionally, regardless of your mistakes then you can better understand the concept; but, if you have been shunned, ignored, attacked or criticized for your mistakes you may have difficulties expecting someone to have unconditional love for you.

I John 4:18, 19 says. . .There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.  But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.  We love Him because He first loved us.

If we have true faith in God we can put people's shortcomings aside and allow God to show us what love should be if we allow it.  He will protect us, give us comfort, and make us feel safe.  We can learn love from Him then we will be more equipped to pass it on.  We can begin to heal by opening our lives up to others.  Let others see God through you.

Another important point to remember is that God is still working in us everyday and that we are not "perfect" we need to love ourselves as God loves us.   We will not always be this way, but as we grow and mature in Him we will get better everyday.  Remember to overlook judgmental people, they can be hurtful and cause us to stumble.  They don't know your heart God does.  Stand proud, do your best and God will do the rest!