How can
we love ourselves and others when we are unhappy, depressed, resentful, lonely,
addicted, or when we have past issues that haunt us, or when we have a low self
worth? How do we break free from the
past and start living for the here and now?
What we
really need to do is address what is holding us back from loving ourselves and
loving others. Why are we unhappy, depressed or lonely? Why are we addicted to
drugs, sex, or alcohol? Why are we allowing our feelings to control the person
inside us? Why do we have a low self-image?
Past
issues can literally haunt us and steer us further away from God’s loving arms
where we truly belong. These issues take hold of our minds and tell us it’s
okay to feel a certain way. For instance, if you were sexually abused as a
child, your mind might constantly tell you not to trust men. Or if you were
brought up in an alcoholic home environment, you may abuse alcohol
yourself. These kinds of past issues
will keep us from loving the person we are, which in turn will keep us from
being able to fully love others as well. So what can we do?
We can
put our total trust and faith in our Creator and let Him free us from our heavy
burdens. It’s really that simple, but yet, the most difficult aspect is
humbling ourselves enough to allow God to actually go to work in our
lives. We don’t need addiction and
pride to keep us from loving the person we are. These things are like crutches that only ease the pain for a
little while. God already knows what is holding each and everyone of us back
from loving. All we have to do is let Him know we are ready for Him to
transform us.
Come to
me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke
upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will
find rest for your souls. (Matthew
11:28,29 NIV)
What we
really need is to have total belief that what Jesus says for us is true. We
need to have faith enough to know that when Jesus says, “Come to me, all you
who are weary and burdened," that he is inviting us into His life so we can
finally experience healing and peace for ourselves. Then we can begin living a
new fruitful life in God and for God, instead of for ourselves. This means we
might need to make some changes in the way we are living now if we want to heal
our past and learn to love the way God wants us to love.
And
without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him
must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
(Hebrews 11:6 NIV)
God
continually assures us that those who honestly seek Him will be rewarded.
Rewarded with what? Rewarded, not only with eternal life in all of its
magnificent bliss, but in this life we are now living! Isn’t that wonderful
news? I encourage all of you who have
heavy burdens you are carrying now to strip them away from your hearts and
minds and begin acting on your faith and knowledge of God. Love yourselves so you can love others the
way God intended for you to love.
Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love
one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men
will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:34-35
NIV)
