The First Step

• Why is it important to have a healthy self-esteem?

• How do you know that God loves you?

The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Romans 13:9-10

God commands us to love our neighbors. In fact, we obey all of God’s commandments when we love others. And in order to love others, we need to accept that God loves us, and we need to love God.

When we let God’s love into our lives—into our hearts—it overflows, and we have plenty to give to others. If we don’t open our hearts to God’s love, we won’t be able to love others.

If you have given your life to God, you should have a healthy self-esteem and a knowledge of God’s love. If you are struggling in these areas, it is important to determine why and work on healing. Ask for help if you need it. Find a Christian whom you trust and talk to that person. Also, spend some time reading God’s Word and talking to him in prayer. You will not be able to grow in God or serve him until you accept his love for you, allow it to heal your wounds and learn to see yourself as he sees you.

PRAYER
Dear God, thank you for loving us. Please help us to accept this love, loving who we are in you. Please allow our hearts to overflow with love for others. Amen.