Embracing Loving Oursevles in 2024: A Foundation for Impacting Our Community

  • Dec 30, 2023
  • 5 Min Read

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, 2024, let us take a moment to reflect on the sermon I gave on September 10th: “Love your Neighbor as Yourself.” In our pursuit of positively impacting our community in the coming year, let us hold onto the essence of that sermon – the understanding that to love our neighbors, we must first love ourselves.

Jesus, when asked what is the greatest commandment replies that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength and finishes with “The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” This truth underscores the reality that self-love will be the base of how we love others, urging us to lay a foundation of love within ourselves and to understand how God loves us to fulfill the greater commandment of unity.

10 Practices to Reflect on as we begin 2024.

  1. Self-Reflection The path to self-love begins with self-reflection, a sacred introspection that unveils the complexities of our being. Psalm 139:14 (ESV) whispers to us, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” We need to embrace the wonderful creation that we are, understanding that self-reflection is the key to building a whole relationship with ourselves, God and others.

  2. Practice Self-Compassion In our journey, let us build self-compassion, reflecting the divine compassion that continually embraces us. Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV) echoes, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” As we extend this compassion to ourselves, we create a space for love, acceptance, and compassion to extend to others.

  3. Set Healthy Boundaries Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) guides us, “Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Loving ourselves means setting healthy boundaries, respecting ourselves as being made in the image of God and as one who carries the love of God within us. It is an act of self-respect and a foundation for the unity we seek.

  4. Prioritize Self-Care Our bodies, temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ESV), call for diligent care. In the whirlwind of life, prioritize self-care – rest, nutrition, exercise, and activities that bring joy. For it is in nurturing ourselves that we can radiate love and unity to others.

  5. Positive Self-Talk Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) counsels, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Apply this wisdom to your self-talk, becoming your own cheerleader. Positive self-talk is reminding ourselves who we are in the eyes of God; we are loved and called the children of God.

  6. Surround Yourself with Positivity Proverbs 13:20 (ESV) whispers, “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” In our journey of self-love, choose companions who uplift and support, fostering an atmosphere of positivity. Let love be the force that unites us, transcending differences and fostering a collective spirit.

  7. Seek Help if Needed Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (ESV) reminds us of the strength in community, “Two are better than one because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” Seeking help is an act of self-love, acknowledging the interconnectedness that binds us all. Let us remember that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. God has provided many people in our communities who are trained to help us in our time of need.

  8. Forgiveness Colossians 3:13 (ESV) calls us to forgive, “bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Extend this forgiveness to yourself, releasing the weight of past mistakes. Let God’s grace wash over you, fostering personal growth and unity.

  9. Embrace Your Uniqueness In 1 Corinthians 12:14 (ESV), we learn, “For the body does not consist of one member but of many.” Embrace your uniqueness, for it adds a distinctive note to the symphony of our community. Your individuality enriches our collective experience, fostering unity in diversity. Let us remember that we are all different and that is how God has created us and intended for us to be.

  10. Practice Mindfulness Philippians 4:8 (ESV) guides our thoughts, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” Practice mindfulness that aligns with these virtues, anchoring us in the present moment and fostering a deep connection with ourselves and others.

Remember self-love is an ongoing journey, an evolution of the heart. Embrace growth and cherish each step. As we prioritize our own well-being and cultivate a deeper relationship with ourselves and God, we lay the foundation for impacting our community with the transformative power of love, compassion, and unity in the year 2024 and beyond. May the spirit of love bind us together, transcending our differences and fostering a community where every heart beats in harmony